Partisan (aguccia) for the bodyguard of Vittorio Amedeo II, duke of Savoy

Dateabout 1700

MediumSteel, wood and brass

Dimensions198 × 16 cm (77 15/16 × 6 5/16 in.), 5 lb, 4 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsCentered on basal portion are crowned cypher of Vittorio Amedeo II of Savoy (1666-1732) on one face & on other are crowned arms of Savoy. Both the cypher and arms are surrounded by a wreath of Savoy knots.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.188

DescriptionSteel long double edged blade of flat lozenge section with triangular point. On lower half edges are decoratively recurved & cusped. At base of blade is single acutely pointed lug curving toward blade. Both faces of blade & lug are decorated on their lower half with etched scrolled leaved tendrils. Tall conical socket with turned molding at top. Fitted with crudely repaired pair of langets. Head plugged onto wooden staff of circular section without butt cap tightly studded overall with brass capped nails. Staff is old, possibly original.

Decorations are punched and chased rather than etched; they are finely executed.
Label TextTypically, a partisan has two curved lugs flanking the base of its blade. The single lug of this partisan is uncommon. This form may be unique to the Piedmont region of Italy or the Savoy family whose crest sits at the base of the blade. Changing technologies during the Renaissance pushed staff weapons into symbolic roles. The unusual shape of this partisan suggests it functioned as a ceremonial, rather than practical weapon.ProvenanceMackay collection (#J-47) Purchased by Museum from Gimbel Brothers (NYC) on October 31, 1941. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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