16TH CENTURY ITALIAN CHAUVE SOURIS.

An elaborate form of the runka, the chauve souris is an elaborate polearm that features upward pointing "bat wings" which were used throughout Europe during medieval times. This polearm is similar in design to the ranseur and partisan, but is distinguished by its single edged bat wings which were used for slashing. This example is in the Italian style and features a hand forged 19" central blade from base to tip, that is flanked by two bat wings that measure 8" from base to tip. The blade is mounted on a rounded wood haft that measures approximately 79 - 3/4" in total length and is topped with a fabric collar that measures approximately 9 - 1/8". The rest of the haft is adorned with hand made iron decorative tacks. The construction is consistent with polearms that date to the 16th century and similar examples are pictured on page 176 in George Cameron Stone's "A Glossary of the Construction, Decoration, and Use of Arms and Armor in All Countries and in All Times". The fabric collar appears to have been added later, as the tacks are of a different construction. CONDITION: The blade exhibits various forging flaws and heavy pitting throughout as well as evidence of cleaning. The central blade remains somewhat sharp and exhibits various chips and indents along the edges. The haft exhibits various handling marks and wood loss in some areas. Overall good. PROVENANCE: John K. Lattimer Collection. JLD This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made. Blade Length: 19" Overall Length: 103"