Halberd of the Bodyguard of Archduke Ernst of Austria (1553-1605)
Culture
German
Date1593
Mediumetched steel, wood, later fabric
Dimensions229.3 × 51.5 cm (90 1/4 × 20 1/4 in.), 5 lb, 10 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.214
DescriptionSteel. Double-edged thrusting blade of lozenge section & cusped at its base. Flat open socket with pair of langets. Stepped, cusped, flat downturned fluke opposed by tall axe head with concave cutting edge & cusped above & below. Faces of head with etched foliation on blackened stippled ground, both faces of thrusting blade with letters "EE" (Erzherzog Ernst, ie Ernst of Austria, 1553-1595) within fronds. Obverse of axehead with ragged staffs & fire steels. Reverse with Archducal Arms surrounded by Order of Golden Fleece. See photos of etched decoration in digital file.Modern red tassel at base of head. Later velvet-covered wooden staff with long iron butt cap. Tip of fluke is a repair.
Label TextThis halberd likely served a commemorative purpose rather than a defensive one. It is finely decorated with floral scrolls climbing up the blade, the royal coat-of-arms of Archduke Ernst, and the initials EE (“Erzherzog Ernst”). On the weapon’s hooked beak is the date 1593, the year Ernst became regent of the Netherlands. This was a significant milestone for him, and he evidently ordered a set of halberds for his personal guard to celebrate his new role.ProvenancePurchased by the Museum on August 7, 1930 from H. Furmage, London, England, his no. 3. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
1625–1650
