Partisan
Culture
Italian
Datelate 16th century
Mediumsteel, brass and wood with textiles
Dimensions271.8 × 15 cm (107 × 55 7/8 in.), 4 lb, 7 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.189
DescriptionSteel with traces of gilding on socket. Long triangular thrusting blade of hollow ground lozenge section. At base of blade is pair of upturned lugs, integral conical 10-sided socket with right angle post at base & pair of short langets. Lower portion of head & socket on both faces with punched foliation, strapwork, putti & man on foot in L 16th c. costume with saber amidst a landscape. Circular-section wooden staff studded over its length with brass capped nails. Fitted with fabric tassel at base of socket.
Label Text“The partisan … was invented and given to infantrymen in battle so that they could thrust and cut at horsemen, whom they could not reach with their swords.” Giacomo di Grassi, Discourse on the Use of Arms, 1570ProvenancePurchased by John W. Higgins on April 17, 1928 from Liberty & Co. Ltd. London England, their #3 and 8314. Given to the Museum on December 15, 1931. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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