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Halberd
Halberd
Image © Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Halberd

Culture
Culture
Date1500–1525
Mediumsteel and wood
Dimensions241.9 × 52.2 × 26.6 cm (95 1/4 × 20 9/16 × 10 1/2 in.), 4 lb, 15 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsNone visible on head. Haft cut with three horizontal lines one above the other on obverse face, about 19 3/4" below base of langet. Back face with "X" cut about 7 3/4" below the ring of head.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.222
DescriptionStiff quadranglar thrusting spike arising from flat base with offset open socket having pair of long langets secured with nails & square ring at top. Short staight pointed fluke, cusped above & below, opposed by cleaver-like axe blade with angled cutting edge; upper & lower edges have dentated cusps. Axe blade pierced with trefoil shaped horizontal cross.

Wooden staff of octagonal section tapering slightly to unshod butt. One-piece steel head, with broad axe blade having an oblique cutting edge, and dentated cusping above and below. The blade is opposed by a thick, downturned triangular fluke similarly disposed, with a lobated, shallow step at the base. The body of the axeblade is transversely pierced by a trefoil motif whose base is drawn out in a sharp point facing the socket. Arising from a rectangular-section base in line with the haft, is an apical thrusting spike of moderate length. This is stout, of quadrangular section, and tapers slightly to its point.

The socket of the head is formed in one with the body, and is set slightly off-axis towards the fluke. Open at its sides, by a pair of now vacant holes; these probably were for the nails securing the head to its original haft. The socket continues down the haft as a pair of long, flat langets fastened to the haft by iron nails. There are five preserved on the longer langet, and four on the other; some are domed, others plain. The upper junction of head and haft is reinforced by a square iron ring, most likely a later addition.

The present haft, while apparently old, seems to be a later replacement. It is of wood, hexagonal in section, and tapers gently towards its bluntly rounded, unshod butt.
Label TextThis weapon was designed specifically for use against armored and mounted opponents. The long staff would allow the point at the top of the blade to hold a mounted enemy at bay. The edge of the blade delivered a powerful chopping blow, and the spike in back would have been very effective at piercing armor. The Swiss used such weapons to deadly effect against armored knights.ProvenanceEdward Hubbard Litchfield collection (1845-1930); Edward Hubert Litchfield (son); purchased by Museum from Parke-Bernet Galleries, NY, sale of Litchfield Collection, on December 5/6, 1951, sale no. 1293, lot 105 (with 2929.1). Price of $65 for lot. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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