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Halberd

c. 1600–25
steel, pierced; appliqué masks in brass; octagonal wood haft with studs and leather straps
Overall: 239 cm (94 1/8 in.); Blade: 48 cm (18 7/8 in.)
Weight: 2.36 kg (5.2 lbs.)
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1797
Location: 210A Armor Court
Public Domain
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Did You Know?

This highly decorative example would have been for ceremonial use only.

Description

The halberd was a staff weapon favored by European infantries (foot soldiers) of the 1400s and 1500s for its versatility and deadly effect. The word halberd comes from the German words Halm (staff) and Barte (axe). The halberd is, in fact, an axe that served multiple functions: the axe blade was used for hacking, the spike for thrusting, and the beak for piercing plate armor or for pulling a knight from his saddle. The halberd was used by shock troops (those who lead an attack) and by Swiss and German mercenaries. After about 1550, the halberd gradually became less functional. Its large blade provided space for coats of arms and insignia. By the late 1500s, the parade halberd had become a ceremonial weapon for palace guards.
Halberd

Halberd

c. 1600–25

France, early 17th century

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