Pike
Culture
German
, or
Culture
Austrian
Date1600s
Mediumsteel and modern wood
Dimensions314 × 15.5 cm (123 5/8 × 6 1/8 in.), 4 lb, 5 oz. (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.274
DescriptionSteel. Head of lozenged shaped, reinforced at point & both faces with strong medial rib. Conical socket expanding to its base with pair of long narrow langets which fasten head to staff. Modern wooden staff of irreguarly square section broadening slightly to butt. Similar to WAM 2014.273.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.ProvenanceCollection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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