Pole arm with sun, moon and stars makers stamps.

fernando · 17th April 2021, 12:55 PM

There are weapons, though not so many, in that the blade is separated from the pole for easier transport... or blade integrity. Still it would be more improbable that the (this) socketed blade, when mounted, joined a pole reinforced with its own straps. Yet even more improbable, but possible, would be that the two parts did not belong to each other in the first place.
At this stage it would be vital to hear from Bob, over yet another chance in that the blade is a detachable part and the modern screw is there to prevent the blade from falling off.

Victrix · 17th April 2021, 01:56 PM

Although it can’t be ruled out to be a tool (perhaps supported by the crossed ax symbol), the presence of langets, fullers and the sun, moon and star symbol suggest it’s a polearm. Although langets are often said to prevent opponents from cutting off the poles, I think an important function is to prevent the blade from twisting around the pole end in the heat of the battle which would be frustrating and dangerous for the wielder.

BlackcapBob · 17th April 2021, 05:45 PM

Hello All, thanks for your comments.

Out of curiosity I have removed the slotted screw, the slot head was full of old crud, the screw was tight and rusted in but it has come out, it is a 1/2" screw and not sufficient to hold the head in place the langets are doing that job with the rivets.

Once the screw was removed I gave the head a good tug and twist there was no movement at all, the shaft is nicely chamfered to fit snuggly.

Am I right in thinking that the consensus is heading towards European (Stamps and Fullers) and possibly military/ ceremonial but not of the usual type encountered,

The blade is 18" - 46cm long with three 8"-20cm fullers, the blade nearest the shaft is 1 11/16" - wide by1/4" - 8mm, middle 1 1/2" - 38mm by 1/8" - 4mm widest near tip 1 13/16" - 46mm by 1/16" - 2mm the edge is sharpened from the tip to half way on the blade, it is built to cut not for show. Cheers Bob

fernando · 17th April 2021, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackcapBob

... I have removed the slotted screw, the slot head was full of old crud, the screw was tight and rusted in but it has come out, it is a 1/2" screw and not sufficient to hold the head in place the langets are doing that job with the rivets.

Then comes the one million $ question, Bob; what is the slotted screw for ?
Short as it is (1/2") still it must go through the wood inside, right ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackcapBob

... Once the screw was removed I gave the head a good tug and twist there was no movement at all, the shaft is nicely chamfered to fit snuggly...

Chamfered; not because its langets are 'stuck' inside the socket, but welded to it ? Something only you can tell, having the piece in your hands ... and with naked eyes ...

BlackcapBob · 18th April 2021, 10:31 AM

Morning, I am just speculating but could the screw be used to site the head on the shaft so it doesnt move prior to the langets being finally secured or just a none original addition. To have only one screw isn't going to secure the head for long.

The langets go into the socket of the head no visible welding.

fernando · 18th April 2021, 11:32 AM

If the langets were to be introduced and aligned with the head, then the socket would better have (two) slits inside, to allow for the langets to slide in and not twist hile handling.
You are right in that such little screw would not have the strength to secure the head/shaft alignment. Unless its present purpose is only to secure the set for exhibition.

CutlassCollector · 18th April 2021, 01:06 PM

Is it possible the small screw held a lightweight attachment for pennant or small flag?

17th April 2021, 12:55 PM	#1
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Shooting in all directions ... There are weapons, though not so many, in that the blade is separated from the pole for easier transport... or blade integrity. Still it would be more improbable that the (this) socketed blade, when mounted, joined a pole reinforced with its own straps. Yet even more improbable, but possible, would be that the two parts did not belong to each other in the first place. At this stage it would be vital to hear from Bob, over yet another chance in that the blade is a detachable part and the modern screw is there to prevent the blade from falling off.

17th April 2021, 01:56 PM	#2
Victrix Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Sweden Posts: 755	Although it can’t be ruled out to be a tool (perhaps supported by the crossed ax symbol), the presence of langets, fullers and the sun, moon and star symbol suggest it’s a polearm. Although langets are often said to prevent opponents from cutting off the poles, I think an important function is to prevent the blade from twisting around the pole end in the heat of the battle which would be frustrating and dangerous for the wielder.

17th April 2021, 05:45 PM	#3
BlackcapBob Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Posts: 8	Hello All, thanks for your comments. Out of curiosity I have removed the slotted screw, the slot head was full of old crud, the screw was tight and rusted in but it has come out, it is a 1/2" screw and not sufficient to hold the head in place the langets are doing that job with the rivets. Once the screw was removed I gave the head a good tug and twist there was no movement at all, the shaft is nicely chamfered to fit snuggly. Am I right in thinking that the consensus is heading towards European (Stamps and Fullers) and possibly military/ ceremonial but not of the usual type encountered, The blade is 18" - 46cm long with three 8"-20cm fullers, the blade nearest the shaft is 1 11/16" - wide by1/4" - 8mm, middle 1 1/2" - 38mm by 1/8" - 4mm widest near tip 1 13/16" - 46mm by 1/16" - 2mm the edge is sharpened from the tip to half way on the blade, it is built to cut not for show. Cheers Bob

18th April 2021, 10:31 AM	#5
BlackcapBob Member Join Date: Apr 2021 Posts: 8	Morning, I am just speculating but could the screw be used to site the head on the shaft so it doesnt move prior to the langets being finally secured or just a none original addition. To have only one screw isn't going to secure the head for long. The langets go into the socket of the head no visible welding.

18th April 2021, 11:32 AM	#6
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	If the langets were to be introduced and aligned with the head, then the socket would better have (two) slits inside, to allow for the langets to slide in and not twist hile handling. You are right in that such little screw would not have the strength to secure the head/shaft alignment. Unless its present purpose is only to secure the set for exhibition.

18th April 2021, 01:06 PM	#7
CutlassCollector Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scotland Posts: 343	Is it possible the small screw held a lightweight attachment for pennant or small flag?