Hand-Bill from a Hunting Set

Date1550–1600

Mediumetched and gilded steel, formerly blued, with silver and hardwood

Dimensions25.2 cm (9 15/16 in.), 3.5 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Markings1 face of head is stamped with maker's mark, an addorsed pair of crescents connected by short transverse line ("H"?). There is also etched decoration of a bound sheaf of grain on 1 face. See digital file.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.516

DescriptionSteel head of small, cleaver-like bill form, with single cutting edge, surmounted with rectangular-sectioned flattened spike. Faces of head are etched with foliate tendrils at back and base. Below the head, shank is cut into 3 (or 4) differing types of file edges. At base is octagonal plinth gilt & alternately etched with scales & foliate designs. Into this is fitted the wooden (ebony?) grip terminating in a slight flared beak. Tang secured with now-broken, vase-like iron button & basal mount of quatrefoil leaf form. Iridescence of the iron suggests former bluing.
ProvenanceFrederic Spitzer (Paris, France) Anderson Galleries (NYC) John W. Higgins (Worcester, MA), Given to the Armory on 8 January 1947, by John W. Higgins Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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