1930 Friuli

Provenance: From one of the most distinguished American and European collections. Available only to the purchaser.

Publication: Garcia. The Collectors Course On Medieval Arms and Armor. 2021, page 352 (#34A).

Description: Constructed with a long central blade sharpened on both edges, tapering to a narrower tip, but much longer than the bat corseque. The central blade is flanked by wings (prongs or tines) that originate from the shaft, extend upward, taper to the tip, and are sharpened on both edges. The head and shaft, expertly etched, are attached to the haft by two langets, with a working life haft.

Discussion: 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.

The staff weapon was an essential weapon of the Middle Ages and renaissance 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.

Conclusion: This is a rare variant of an iconic Italian staff weapon. It has everything going for it. Rarity, decoration, and condition. It’s not overpriced, in fact, for what it is its actually underpriced and below what the last owner paid for it. Staff weapons are an important part of Arms and Armor, and every collection should have a few or at least one very good one, like this example.  ACT NOW so you won’t be disappointed!!!*

All my items come with the following:

–Free shipping.

–10-day review period.

–Certificate of Authenticity.

– Free autographed copy of my book if you do not have one.

– In the event of an international shipment, we will help assign the lowest correct Customs tariff so you pay as little as 5% or even nothing.

I believe you will be very pleased.