Bardiche (Berdysh)

Culture Northern European ,

Cultureperhaps Swedish

Date1500s–1600s

Mediumsteel and wood

Dimensions138.4 × 48.3 cm (54 1/2 × 19 in.), 4 lb, 4 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.241

DescriptionSteel. Tall gently crescentic axe blade with clipped point above & drawn out in acute point below. Flat back on blade with long shank & deep, closed flat hexagonal section socket. Reverse of blade at shank has triangular motif of 3 groups of 2 Greek crosses, each enclosed by hexagonal group of toothed-crescentic marks. Head mounted on associated wooden shaft of flat oval section.

Blade 48.3 cm long, c. 22 cm wide from edge to back.
Label TextThis battleaxe has an extended upper point that allowed it to thrust as well as chop, while lending elegant curves to this deadly weapon.ProvenancePurchased by Museum from American Art Association, Anderson Galleries (NYC), Macomber sale, December 10-12, 1936, (lot 437). Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

On View

On view