Halberd
Date1625–1650
Mediumsteel, brass, wood with textiles
Dimensions251.5 × 62.2 cm (99 × 24 1/2 in.), 7 lb, 12 oz. (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.231
DescriptionSteel. Partisan-like thrusting blade of hollow ground octagonal section & recurved at shoulders which have tear-drop-shaped piercings. Balustered support of octagonal section having openwork oblate knop of 4 sections (1 lost), secured by balustered screws. Tall triangular axehead having birds' head-shape projection opposite near-straight cutting edge. Axehead opposed by large downturned fluke, similarly decorated. Hexagonal-section socket & base below secured to decoratively carved octagonal section wooden shaft having 2-stage, well-formed iron butt cap & spike below. Modern red tassel held by brass-capped tacks at base of head.
ProvenancePurchased by the Museum on August 7, 1930 from H. Furmage, London, England, his no. 2. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view1625–1650