Partisan of State
Culture
English
Datelate 1600s
Mediumiron, wood and textiles
Dimensions273.4 × 13 cm (107 5/8 × 5 1/8 in.), 6 lb, 7 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsBelow 1 langet are letters "IB", & below woolen tassel, between langets, are letters "I" & "F".
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.190
DescriptionSwedish-Dutch form. Steel, formerly russeted. Long pointed double edged blade of lozenge section, base of which is decoratively cut into cusps. Pronounced medial rib on both faces tapers to defined, reinforced point. Base of head is of like section & drawn out as pair of pointed lugs, cusped & lobated below. Bottom of head with balustered base fitted into 2-stage conical socket; top of socket bears traces of four engraved lines. Just below this is an octagonal, multi-layered roundel, pierced with decorative holes. Head extends down circular section wooden staff in a pair of langets, secured by flat-headed nails. Tall shaft, probably of ash. Base of staff with 2-staged conical butt cap broken at its end. Tassel of wool. Central tassel overwoven with a strapwork repeated diamond pattern; some intersections with woolen tufts. Appears to have been red, white, and green.
Label TextThe partisan is a type of spear with a triangular blade and broad base. It was used for combat at the end of the Middle Ages, but by the 1600s it was purely a ceremonial weapon. This example belongs to a group of similar partisans used by the honor guard of William III of England at the very end of the 1600s.ProvenanceProbably from the armouries at the Tower of London. Perhaps after that from a house in Kent, and later to John Beardmore (pre-1845; see his catalogue in References.) Purchased by John W. Higgins on April 21, 1931 from H. Furmage, London, England (their # 11). Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on viewCollections
1625–1650