Saber-Halberd
Culture
Austrian
Dateabout 1600–1625
Mediumsteel, wood and textiles
Dimensions249 × 67 cm (98 1/16 × 26 3/8 in.), 7 lb, 14 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsOn obverse of fluke is maker's mark consisting of raised 'Y' shape between whose arms are raised pellets, the whole within circular recess.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.185
DescriptionSaber-shaped apical blade at base of which is small tightly crescentic axe blade & downturned fluke with ring, both pierced with groups of holes. Open socket extending down staff in pair of langets. Separate set of langets extends down opposite sides & all are held by square ring at base of head. Head secured with iron nails to square section wooden staff covered over much of length by red velvet casing with tassels & iron tacks.
Label TextThe saber-halberd is a hybrid staff weapon peculiar to a brief period in southern Germany and Austria. Most examples appear to be nineteenth-century fakes; this is one of relatively few convincing instances of the weapon.ProvenanceCollection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
On viewCollections
1625–1650
