Halberd
Culture
German
Dateprobably late 1500s
MediumEtched and blackened steel, wood, brass, fabric and leather
Dimensions23 × 230 cm (9 1/16 × 90 9/16 in.), 4 lb, 14 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.237
DescriptionCurved axe-blade, willow-leaf thrusting tip with strong central ridge, triangular fluke. On inside of fluke is a Crucifixion scene with an armored male supplicant; outside of fluke has same scene with female supplicant. On socket area is a coat of arms, per fess, above bendy sable and ?argent, below a Moor's head.ProvenanceEx-collection Richard Zschille (Grossenhain, Saxony; in the Christie's sale 1897, lot 512, bought in and again offered at the Berlin sale 18 March 1900, lot 114. See Forrer catalogue of Zschille collection V. 2, plts. 175, 176 #666; V. 1, p. 21) Henry G. Keasbey collection (sold 1924 American Art Association, lot 219) Clarence H. Mackay (#J-57) purchased by Museum from Gimbel Brothers (NYC) on October 31, 1941. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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