Circa 17th century A.D. An iron halberd with tapering central spike ridged at the base, forward leaning straight axe blade with central holes forming a cross pattern, rear spike formed with two notches at the base, and a pair of long crenelated straps to be fastened to a wooden haft with rivets. See Oakeshott, European Weapons and Armour, From the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution, Woodbridge, 1980, pp.46ff. 764 grams, 36.5 cm (14 3/8 in.). European art market before the late 1990s. California, USA, collection formed since the late 1960s. By the last third of 16th century, the halberd had been replaced by firearms. From the mid 16th century, the halberd underwent significant changes: its massive wide blade, with forward sloping edge, gradually developed to a crescent-like form and became much lighter. Both the blade and the fluke were often pierced with ornaments, while the spike became much slender and longer. From now on, town militiamen, palace and church guards were to carry halberds like parade weapons, although they continued to serve in European armies as a form of leading staff up until the 19th century A.D.