Glaive
Culture
Italian
Datelate 1500s
Mediumsteel, wood, brass and textile
Dimensions241.9 × 75.6 cm (95 1/4 × 29 3/4 in.), 5 lb, 6 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.187
DescriptionSteel, very overcleaned. Long knife-shaped blade curving along its sharpened edge with long false edge & flat back from this point to base. Trilobated projection at end of false edge & tall trilobated fluke arising from back edge below, the terminals themselves being trilobated. Body of fluke & main blade pierced with floral-like motif of 6 teardrop shapes. Pair of trilobated lugs at base of head & below this pillow-shaped knop & flattened octagonal socket with pair of short langets. Both faces of head & socket with traces of engraved foliation & what may have been coat of arms on blade at base of fluke. Secured to octagonal section wooden staff with fragments of red velvet casing secured with once gilded domed tacks. Butt has been cut off at 45 degree angle.
Very similar to WAM 2014.175.
Label TextMany staff weapons were designed with cutting edges in front and beaks or hooks for piercing or snagging in back. Over time these secondary projections sometimes evolved into mere decorative features, as on this example.ProvenancePurchased by Museum at Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc. (NYC) on November 25, 1953, sale no. 1473. Paid $80 for lot which included HAM#s 3036.1-3. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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