A Portuguese Partisan

[Matchlock]

A very fine piece, Fernando - well done.

Although this kind of weapons, having become, as Jim put it, rank insignia by the time that your partizan/spontoon was made, is not really within my expertise I like it very much. Very good photos as well, one showing clearly the layers of wrought iron coming off - a proof of authenticity anyway.

Michael

[fernando]

Hi Michael, thank you for your coments.

Originally Posted by Matchlock

A very fine piece, Fernando - well done.
Although this kind of weapons, having become, as Jim put it, rank insignia by the time that your partizan/spontoon was made, is not really within my expertise I like it very much. Very good photos as well, one showing clearly the layers of wrought iron coming off - a proof of authenticity anyway.
Michael

Within my humble perspective, while at the period sugested by its haft, this piece served an insignia purpose, i do beleive the blade shows a lethal aspect, suiting a task more 'responsible' than just ceremonial.
Fernando

[Anandalal N.]

Thanks Fernando. I have still not succeeded so am sending you the image by e-mail.

David, you see the differences from the example you indicated. The Patisthana is very close to the Patisan with the wings pointing forward probably to stop the enemy charging in, in a maniacal rage.

[Matchlock]

Hi, Fernando,

It is just as you wrote: the form of the blade does serve a lethal purpose. I even see it in the same line of formal development as the Late Gothic langue de boeuf and the early Renaissance short cinquedea.

What makes me wonder if that lethal purpose could still be reached with your partizan/spontoon is the relative thinness of the blade and of its central reinforcement ridge. These two were, in my opinion, somewhat more accentuated in former blades meant for actual fighting.

Again, this is not the field that I can plow with sufficient authority though.

Michael

[Anandalal N.]

I think I just figured out how to do this. So here goes.

[fernando]

Hi Michael

Originally Posted by Matchlock

... What makes me wonder if that lethal purpose could still be reached with your partizan/spontoon is the relative thinness of the blade and of its central reinforcement ridge. These two were, in my opinion, somewhat more accentuated in former blades meant for actual fighting ...

I see your point.
Not that i have not seen blades with a rather more fragile aspect. But i lake the experience to discuss the subject, even much less than you, of course.
Indeed the blade thickness in this one is 6 mm by the ridge, although its lateral 'hooks' reach the 8 mm, partly because they have been beaten (hammered), for whatever reason, which made their rims even thicker.
Fernando

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[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

More...I add in retrospect the importance of looking at the martial arts of the Sri Lankan diaspora in an attempt to lock down these weapons probably absorbed from the Portuguese. This particular spear seems to be one such weapon.

[fernando]