1734) SUPERB DECORATED SWISS HALF MOON HALBERD CIRCA 1550 WITH WORKING LIFE HAFT: Masterfully decorated with etching and punch marks. More pictures to follow.
Description: The construction is virtuoso, forged from one piece of metal, with a large half-moon curved axe blade with back edges, scalloped, on the reverse a fluke for dismounting a mounted knight, fluke decorated en suite, long stiff diamond-shaped spike, split angular socked with two langets attached held by five rivets. Retaining a working life haft, which is only found in about 20 % of all staff weapons! Masterfully decorated with punch marks and etching. It’s a true Renaissance masterpiece.
Approximate total length: 87 inches.
Discussion: The halberd is a multiuse staff weapon of the Medieval and Renaissance period. It was used with devastating effects throughout Europe. The halberd was developed in Switzerland and was popular throughout Western Europe. The halberd was responsible for changing warfare in Renaissance/ Medieval Europe. It was first called “hallembart” by the German poet Konrad of Wurzberg (d. 1287), who described a blade attached to a pole utilizing two rings called ‚Äúeyelids‚Äù in a poem about the Trojan War. It originated between the 6th and 9th centuries in the early Middle Ages. The first halberds were a short sword called a “scramasax” (see page 313 in my book) attached to a wooden pole. The halberd had reached a more evolved form by the late 13th and 14th centuries. It is mentioned in poetry and contemporary records of the period. In 1348 Franciscan John of Winterthur chronicled the Battle of Morgarten in 1315, in which his father fought.
Provenance: From an old Swiss collection.
Conclusion: It’s a great addition to any Medieval or Renaissance collection‚a lot of value for the modest price of under $3K!!!*