Original English 17th Century Elizabethan Era Halberd with Original Tacked & Cloth-Wrapped Shaft - 91 1/2” Long
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Original Item: One of a Kind. A halberd (also called halbard, halbert or Swiss voulge) is a two-handed pole weapon that came to prominent use during the 14th and 15th 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.
This impressive example was most likely originally a CASTLE DISPLAY, which was then sold into private hands. It is roughly 91 1/2” in overall length. The crudely-forged head measures 31 1/4” overall, and the original shaft is retained with heavy tacking and a thin cloth wrapping which is now mostly gone. The shaft itself is octagonal, correct for this period.
Head shows exfoliation and old European style cleaning. These 1500-1600 Halberd are known for the extra long spike to the tops which were largely obsoleted by the English Civil War of 1640.
The head is affixed by four nails, two on each side, and is the smallest bit loose, so the head may have been removed at one point to clear rotting of the wood underneath. The head itself has five holes stamped through the axe head in a common pattern. It has a hook/thorn on the back side of the axe blade for grappling mounted combatants. It is very similar to certain forms of the voulge in design and usage.
This is a tremendous example, ready for further research and display.
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