Head of a Partisan for the Guard of Henri III of France (r. 1574-89)
Culture
French
Date1588
Mediumsteel
Dimensions91.4 × 21.8 × 5.1 cm (36 × 8 9/16 × 2 in.); 3 lb. 12 oz.
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.44
DescriptionLong, triangular double-edged blade of gently lozenge section over much of length, becoming flat to spatulate point. Blade 28 15/16" long, 5 1/4" wide; socket 7 1/16" long. Blade waisted at about 1/4 of length, then tapers in a series of curves to point. Base of blade drawn out in lobes & pierced with comma-shaped & circular fretting. Tang carved as acanthus leaf. Lower 1/3 of blade etched with circular medallions with human portrait busts on hatched ground & rectangular compartments having a cat-like creature & scrolling tendrils. Sides have guilloché framing. Between blade & socket is ornate crossbar with addorsed, curving & scrolled arms, 4 with dragon-head terminals, lower 2 having sharply pointed tongue. Elements etched with guilloché.
Long, tubular socket with molded ferrules at ends. Extending down front & rear faces are straps with guilloché.
Label TextRenaissance leaders were always surrounded by an entourage, providing personal protection as well as demonstrating power and status. Unlike modern secret service, medieval bodyguards were always dressed to be as visible as possible, with matching arms and armor and brightly colored clothes.ProvenanceUnknown source in French countryside; sale in Kent, England; Mr. Hugh Kennedy (in confidence; England). Purchased from Peter Finer (England) on 3 October 1996. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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