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Head
Partisan
Head
Image © Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Partisan

Culture
Dateabout 1500
Mediumwood, steel and fabric
Dimensions246.4 × 66 cm (97 × 26 in.), 5 lb, 2 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsBoth faces of blade with stamped pincers-like maker's mark at about 1/3 of height (see digital file). At socket one face of blade has Ottoman 'tamga'.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.139
DescriptionLong triangular double-edged blade of flat lozenge section terminating in acute point. Long integral conical socket gently faceted in 10-sided section. Both faces decorated with light pointillé foliation and on one face is crown of 5 points. Above, both faces are etched or engraved with saber-wielding horsemen; the style is very different from the decoration below, suggestive of folk art or caricature.

Restored circular section wooden staff covered over much of length with red velvet casing and gold fringes.
ProvenanceCollection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Italian
late 16th century
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Italian
1500s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Italian
late 1500s–early 1600s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Italian
1500–1550
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
about 1600–1650
Bodyguard Glaive
Venetian
early 1700s
Bodyguard Glaive
Italian
early 1700s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Afghanistan
late 1800s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Italian
late 1500s