Friuli Spear
Culture
Northern Italian
Dateearly 1600s
MediumSteel, wood and fabric with traces of gilding
Dimensions249 × 72 cm (98 1/16 × 28 3/8 in.), 3 lb, 12 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsBase of one lug with indistinct mark.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.208
DescriptionSteel. Long quadrangular thrusting spike at base of which is pair of upward & outwardly curved wings of flat hexagonal section sharpened at forward edge & about 1/3 of inner edge. Wings terminate in squared ends with acutely pointed reinforced points. Squared shoulders with integral conical socket of sharply defined 10-sided section & pair of langets at sides.
Base of thrusting spike, basal portion of blade & entire socket once blued, now russet, & gilded, with incised oval central cartouche filled with tree-like motif. Blades are filled with thick running, leaved foliation & flora within thick strapwork borders. Socket cut with ascendant leaved & slotted motifs. Modern wooden octagonal section staff with pair of red tassels.
ProvenanceMackay collection (#J-41) purchased by Museum from Gimbel Brothers (NYC) on October 31, 1941. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
about 1600
