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Partisan

1600s
steel, gilt, etched and chiselled
Overall: 209.5 cm (82 1/2 in.); Blade: 32.4 cm (12 3/4 in.)
Weight: 1.14 kg (2.51 lbs.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.33
Location: 210A Armor Court
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Did You Know?

A partisan is a type of polearm that consisted of a spearhead mounted on a long shaft, usually wooden, with protrusions on the sides which aided in parrying sword thrusts.

Description

The partisan, a staff weapon with a symmetrical head, was carried by infantry officers and members of princely bodyguards during the 1600s and 1700s. The large flat surface of the partisan was perfect for displaying coats of arms and with the addition of colorful velvet tassels, was a favored weapon of palace guards who would be splendidly outfitted.
Partisan

Partisan

1600s

France, 17th century

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