Edged Weapons
17th Century Wrought Iron Crescent Shaped Halberd Head
c. 1680 17th Century Wrought Iron Crescent Shaped Halberd Head Implement of War, Blacksmith Forged, measuring 11.2" long, Choice Very Fine.
A nice example of this 17th century edged weapon implement of war, measuring 11.2" long with a 7.3" long curved, beaked blade. The spike on the back of the blade measures 3 inches long. The iron surface has been cleaned to remove old surface rust, resulting in a brighter silvery appearance (much as it looked when new). However, the inside of the tube is dark and rusty from age, confirming the originality of this piece. Halberds were particularly useful when ground troops went up against mounted soldiers. This example appears choice in eye appeal and is excellent for display.
A Halberd (also called halbard, halbert or Swiss voulge) is a two-handed pole weapon that came to prominent use during the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries. The word halberd is most likely equivalent to the German word Hellebarde, deriving from Middle High German halm (handle) and barte (battleaxe) joint to helmbarte. Troops that used the weapon are called halberdiers.
The halberd consists of an axe blade topped with a spike mounted on a long shaft. It always has a hook or thorn on the back side of the axe blade for grappling mounted combatants. It is very similar to certain forms of the voulge (another type of polearm) in design and usage. The halberd was usually 1.5 to 1.8 meters (5 to 6 feet) long.