Ahlspiess ("awl-spear")
Cultureprobably
Austrian
Dateabout 1500
Mediumsteel, iron and wood
Dimensions17 × 237 cm (6 11/16 × 93 5/16 in.), 5 lb, 10 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.242
DescriptionStaff of octagonal section without butt-cap. Head with tapered octagonal socket; handguard of deeply chamfered square shape; long thrusting spike of stout quadrangular section.Label TextStaff weapons appear in great variety, and many of them had only saw a limited time and region of use. The Ahlspiess is one example--it was used only in the areas around southern Germany in the 1400s and very early 1500s. It is designed for combat on foot, and its stout thrusting tip is designed for penetrating the gaps in plate armor.ProvenanceDr. Bashford Dean (Riverdale, NY) purchased by the Museum on 26 October 1950 at the Dean sale, Parke-Bernet Galleries (NYC), part of lot 73 (not ill.). Price of $35 included HAM#s 2870.1-3. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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