Corsesca
Culture
Italian
Date1500s
Mediumsteel and wood
Dimensions248.1 × 32.5 cm (97 11/16 × 12 13/16 in.), 4 lb (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsMaker's mark on one lug; see digital file.
Brass tag on staff: C380
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.159
DescriptionLong triangular blade of flattened diamond section. Long narrow side spikes reinforced at ends. Robust faceted socket. Restored rectangular-section staff with molded corners.Label TextThe corsesca was a three-pronged variety of infantry spear that was used from the 1400s to the early 1600s. Surviving examples are usually Italian, but the type was known elsewhere in Europe. Some "three-grayned [bladed] staves" are among the items recorded in the 1547 inventory of Henry VIII of England, and were probably used by members of the royal bodyguard.ProvenanceArchduke Eugen's Armory, Fortress Hohenwerfen, Salzburg, Austria Purchased by John W. Higgins on March 2, 1927 from Anderson Galleries (NY), their no. 353. Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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