Halberd

Culture Italian

Date1575–1600

Mediumsteel and wood

Dimensions234.3 × 60.3 cm (92 1/4 × 23 3/4 in.), 4 lb, 4 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.168

DescriptionTall quadrangular thrusting spike. Flat body with downwardly angled stepped fluke reinforced at tip, cusped & pierced with holes above & below; opposed by axehead curving into lobes above & below with asymmetrical cutting edge & reinforced tip on taller upper terminal. Hole punched at base of each lobe. Open socket with langets & separate langets on sides; all secured with pyramidal headed nails. Head with rather crude punched decoration.

Wooden staff of octagonal section with squared butt; probably modern.Label TextHalberds had been an important battlefield weapon in the late Middle Ages, but by the time this one was made they were increasingly serving as badges of rank. The axehead on this one has become more decorative than functional, and the beak in back is no longer well designed for piercing armor. Only the thrusting tip remains fully functional for combat.ProvenanceGeorge L. Maxwell
Anderson Galleries (NYC)
Purchased by John Higgins on 30 November 1928, lot 248. Given to the Armory on 1 July 1954.
Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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