Halberd
Culture
Italian
Date1550–1600
Mediumsteel with gilding, wood, possibly copper, and textiles
Dimensions236.2 × 57.2 cm (93 × 22 1/2 in.), 5 lb, 14 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.148
DescriptionCompare to WAM 2014.179, 2014.203. Major differences in that head is not pierced, but punched & chased with foliate tendrils, nude figures & leaved motifs. Possibly once blued or russet, now later gilded overall, but badly worn. 2-piece wooden staff of octagonal section studded with tacks for more than 1/2 its length with fragments of 3 tassels below head. Iron-shod butt with spike. Staff possibly original: good grain, nice fit. Tip is slightly bent--unclear whether this is intentional.
ProvenanceMackay collection (#J-87); purchased by Museum from Gimbel Brothers (NYC) on October 31, 1941. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on viewCollections
1625–1650
1625–1650
about 1680