Discussion: The Ronca is a devastating multi-use staff weapon with slashing, thrusting, and hooking capabilities. The ronca is derived from a Roman agricultural implement called the  “Roman securis.” The “Roman securis” evolved into the “roncola armi” (army/ war roncola), which evolved into the ronca circa 1520.

Discussion: The Ronca consists of a single-edged blade used like a halberd, a hook for dismounting knights from their horses, a horizontal fluke on the opposite side, a long vertical spike used like a spear for jabbing, and two small parrying quillons (lugs) at the top of the metal shaft. The wooden haft is usually about 185 cm long (6 ft).

Description: The example under discussion is constructed in the typical roncone design for the period. A maker’s mark in the form of a circle with extending triangles appears on the horizontal fluke on the opposite side of the blade. A handwritten museum/collection control number appears on the haft (164588-5). Two long straps run about a third the length of the haft, an old working life haft that tapers at the bottom, almost certainly made of ash. Condition very good. Total length:100 inches, head length: 35 inches.

Provenance: Marzoli Collection.

Conclusion: A great addition to any collection. Superb condition. If you have ever bought a staff weapon in Europe, you know the shipping can be more than the cost of the staff weapon and not of this quality, provenance, or condition of this one. Priced to sell today under $3,000!!!*