Pike
Culture
German
, or
Culture
Austrian
Date1600–1650
Mediumsteel and wood
Dimensions191 × 39 cm (75 3/16 × 15 3/8 in.), 2 lb, 12 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.257
DescriptionSteel. Long, lozenge shaped head of fine execution, with low ridge on both faces & terminating in a strong quadrangular point. Integral long conical socket of 10-sided section & pair of langets on sides, secured with iron nails to later, shortened (6') wooden staff of octagonal section; lower quarter apparently blackened at one point.Label TextStaff weapons like these helped tip the military scales in favor of infantry. Pikes like these--theoretically 24 feet long, but in practice usually about 16-18 feet--could stop a cavalry charge dead, leaving the troopers as targets for musket fire. These tactics required group discipline and training, and contributed to the professionalization of military life.ProvenanceArchduke Eugen's Armory, Fortress Hohenwerfen, Salzburg, Austria purchased by John W. Higgins on March 1, 1927 from Anderson Galleries (NY), their no. 40. Given to the Armory July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014
On View
Not on view
