Curiosity Polearm

Cultureperhaps German

Date1800s

Mediumsteel and wood

DimensionsShaft: 138 cm (54 5/16 in.),2 lb, 6 oz (weight)
Head: 97 cm (38 3/16 in.), 5 lb, 8 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.184

DescriptionHunting spear? ( 2 parts). Long flat double edge thrusting blade with rounded point, blackened over lower 1/2 of length. Blade fitted into circular section wooden staff of 4 screwed sections with pair of suspension rings & having long conical acutely pointed butt cap. On upper 1/2 weapon fitted with unusual expanding framework of 7 blades each above & below. These operate in scissors-like fashion, which when opened produces an interlocking defense of blades facing both towards thrusting blade & user. They are similarly blackened on the half near the staff.

Weapon probably 19th c. curiosity object.
ProvenanceMetropolitan Museum of Art collection. Purchased by Museum at Parke-Bernet Galleries, Inc.. (NYC) sale of October 24-26, 1956, sale no. 1701, lot no. 119. Paid $80 for lot which included HAM#s 3128.1-4. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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