Introduction: All types of staff weapons consist of several distinct parts. The first was the wooden pole/haft. The pole ranged from as little as 5 feet to 14 feet in length. Longer poles were used for ceremonial jousting and less often in combat situations. Metal vertical bands called langets or straps, secure the metal head to the pole vertically, about a third of the length of the haft. Depending on the type of staff weapon, the head could be used for stabbing, striking, chopping, pulling, or slicing. Several different functions were incorporated into a single metal weapon head in many staff weapons.

Discussion:  The staff weapon was an essential weapon of the Middle Ages for multiple reasons:

1) When properly used and deployed, staff weapons have a significant advantage related directly to their length. The pole/haft of a staff weapon can range from 5 feet in length to as much as 16 feet in length. The staff weapon enables the user to be out of the reach of many shorter weapons, such as swords. This reach advantage allows the man-at-arms to effectively attack without needing to defend himself from attacks.

2) Staff weapons, like pikes, could stop the cavalry charge, which was one of the most devastating strategies of the Medieval and Renaissance periods.

3) Since much of the staff weapon was made from wood, it was inexpensive and easy to manufacture, making it a practical choice to arm many men quickly at a low cost. In addition, if the pole broke, the head could be reused on a new wooden pole. Because the head design was relatively simple, it could be made by a village blacksmith.

4) Staff weapons are easy to use, requiring relatively little training to become competent in their use.

5) Staff weapons could be multipurpose weapons. For example, a halberd is an axe with a spear and fluke to dismount a knight from his horse.

6) Staff weapons require the use of multiple large muscles; therefore, the body fatigues more slowly than with some other weapons. Less fatigue in battle provides a substantial advantage during a pitched battle that could last days.

7) Since staff weapons are long and provide leverage, they generate high-impact, deep penetrating strikes.

8) Some staff weapons were actually farming implements available for immediate use by an owner familiar with their use.

Items under discussion:

A)  GOTHIC LUGGED SPEAR, also known as WINGED SPEAR or BOHEMIAN EARSPOON, CIRCA 1450: German or Swiss. Constructed with a tapering blade of flattened-diamond section with a medial ridge, recessed at the bottom, and formed with a pair of short-winged lugs with three-hole decoration and a cylindrical socket on an old wooden haft. Makers mark in the form of a St Andrew cross ( Saltire). Notice that the lugs originate from the socket, unlike a partisan. Length approximately 217 CM.

Provenance: From a Nobels armory collection.

Comparable: A near identical example can be found on page 343 in my book.

B) MORNINGSTAR STAFF WEAPON CIRCA 1500-1800, The Morningstar (Morgenstern) was in use in Europe for over 500 years!  Armorys throughout Europe still have them.  Why such a long time? Because it’s a highly effective weapon with multi-use that the village blacksmith could easily and inexpensively make. You could learn how to use it in a very short period of time. It was not a Knightly weapon instead, it was used by militias, peasants, and man-at-arms who had to equip themselves and could not afford expensive Knightly weapons or the time to learn how to use them. A variant of the Morningstar, the “goedendag” ( see page 46 in my book), was instrumental in the defeat of the French Knights during the Battle of Courtrai (Golden Spur).Length approximately 196 CM.

Provenance: From a Nobels armory collection.

Comparable: Still found in armory’s through out Europe since staff weapons are still considered a 3rd tier weapon of defense for he state.

C) ITALIAN PARADE GLAIVE WITH DRAGON DECORATION CIRCA 1590: The glaive is a slash-and-thrust weapon, very much like a wide saber, but with an approximate six-foot staff to increase its length and power. The name is a variant of the Latin “gladius” translating to “sword,” just like the Roman sword. Variants of the glaive date to as early as circa 1250 and were used until the first quarter of the 17th century. Early images are found in the Maciejowski Bible. Although it is a highly effective weapon, the glaive was never used in large numbers on the battlefield or in military formations like pikes and halberds. This example, however, was not a combat weapon but instead adopted by civic, parade, and/or ceremonial guards.  Their use was limited to religious, court, parades, and other social functions. Length approximately 228 cm.

 Provenance: From a Nobels armory collection.

Conclusion: Staff weapons are a great addition to any collection. For years, staff weapons have been seriously underpriced. Thesee three would are very elegant staff weapons that attracts much attention and make a resounding statement. Anyof these  three would make a great addition to any collection. All three are priced to sell today!!!*