Pike
Culture
German
, or
Culture
Austrian
Dateabout 1600–1625
Mediumiron and wood
Dimensions320 × 20 cm (126 × 7 7/8 in.), 4 lb, 6 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.273
DescriptionIron. Crudely formed long leaf-shaped blade of lozenged section tapering to reinforced point of quadranglar section. Conical socket, fire welding along 1 face. with pair of long langets, 1 of which is repaired at about 1/2 itself length. Staff about 10' long, restored, of rounded square cross-section, with some significant losses.Label TextPikes like these were one of the most important weapons for defeating armored knights. Large bodies of disciplined footsoldiers carrying pikes in a porcupine formation were capable of stopping the power of armored knights charging on horseback, making them vulnerable to counterattack with axes, bows, and ultimately with firearms. Eventually the bayonet came to fulfill the same purpose, allowing firearms to double as short pikes.ProvenanceArchduke Eugen's Armory, Fortress Hohenwerfen, Salzburg, Austria purchased by John W. Higgins on March 3, 1927 from Anderson Galleries (NY), their # 684. Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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