16th C. European Wood & Iron Halberd

Western Europe, probably Germany, ca. second half of the 16th century CE. A large halberd that stands over 8 feet tall! The halberd is a two-handed pole weapon consisting of an axe-head topped with a spike that became prominent in the 14th and 15th centuries and was used by various armies throughout Europe until the late 1700s. The iron head on this piece is attached to the pole by a large, sturdy socket with two largets that extend nearly a third of the length of the pole and are attached with thick iron rivets. All iron components are original, while the wooden pole has been replaced. The shape of the head suggests that it came from Germany, although it may also be from Sweden or Switzerland. These weapons could be used many ways in battle - for hand to hand combat, for pulling horsemen to the ground, or for killing horses - and famously were used to kill Charles the Bald in 1477 and, archaeologists have recently theorized, mortally wound King Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth. Size: 9" W x 99" H (22.9 cm x 251.5 cm)

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA

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#151497 Dimensions: Condition Report: All iron components are original, while the wooden pole was replaced at some point in the past. Rich patina on the blade itself which has retained its shape very well.