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Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Ahlspiess ("awl-spear")
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Image © Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Ahlspiess ("awl-spear")

Culture
Dateearly 1400s
Mediumsteel and wood
Dimensions250.8 × 15 cm (98 3/4 × 5 7/8 in.)
6.5 lb (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
MarkingsAt base of head, shaft is carved with upper-case letter "H" or "I" on one face.
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.244
DescriptionAustrian in form. Steel. Very long, quadrangular-section thrusting spike, at base of which is restored circular, thin rondel. Strong, integral closed conical socket plugged onto short wooden shaft of irregularly circular section.

Blade is 132.1 cm long.
ProvenanceKeasby collection (lot #21 in sale of 1925) Bashford Dean collection; purchased by Museum on October 26, 1950 from Parke-Bernet Galleries (NYC), auction sale no. 1186. Price of $35 included HAM#s 2870.1-3. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on view
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Austrian
about 1500
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Austrian
about 1500
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Persian
1800s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Congo Region, Central African
late 1800s-early 1900s
Head
possibly 500s-late 1000s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
Northern Italian
1550–1600
Spear Head
Northern Italian
about 1600–1620
Spear Head
Northern Italian
early 1600s
Side A
Austrian
late 1500s–early 1600s
Reference Image - Not for Reproduction
English
early 1600s