A Bardiche

CSinTX · 4th August 2021, 04:39 AM

Recently acquired as a hard to find addition to my pole arm collection. Of all the weapons I've held in my hands, this one feels the most impressive. Surprisingly light and fast in the hands but substantial enough to do some major damage. It works well as both an offensive or defensive weapon. I would not want to be the guy to come up against it in the hands of a well trained adversary!

Unfortunately, there is not much information out there about them. Ive read anything from 13th C. to 18th C. Origins from Russia, Turkey, to central Europe. Are there any known excavated examples? Museums with similar pieces?

Thanks!

fernando · 4th August 2021, 11:27 AM

They show up now and then; even here, if you use the Search button on Bardiche

ulfberth · 4th August 2021, 02:06 PM

hi Casey , the one in the first picture is in The Cleveland Museum of Art and described as Germany or Russia, 16th century.
The others in various museums, most of them seem the have the same manner of attachment on top of the pole with 3 screws.
kind regards
Ulfberth

broadaxe · 15th August 2021, 10:58 AM

Berdiches from the National History Museum of Ukraine, Kiev:

CSinTX · 15th August 2021, 06:02 PM

Thanks for the similar examples!

It seems there are two very distinct types. Both perfectly represented in Broadaxe's post. Do we know anything about the differences? Difference in area of origin or maybe age?

broadaxe · 16th August 2021, 04:50 PM

If I recall right, there were almost no details on the spot. AFAIK the longer, slender one is more of a Turkish type/influence, while the broader one with decorative holes is strictly Russian.

4th August 2021, 04:39 AM	#1
CSinTX Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 233	A Bardiche Recently acquired as a hard to find addition to my pole arm collection. Of all the weapons I've held in my hands, this one feels the most impressive. Surprisingly light and fast in the hands but substantial enough to do some major damage. It works well as both an offensive or defensive weapon. I would not want to be the guy to come up against it in the hands of a well trained adversary! Unfortunately, there is not much information out there about them. Ive read anything from 13th C. to 18th C. Origins from Russia, Turkey, to central Europe. Are there any known excavated examples? Museums with similar pieces? Thanks! Attached Images

4th August 2021, 02:06 PM	#3
ulfberth Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Posts: 400	hi Casey , the one in the first picture is in The Cleveland Museum of Art and described as Germany or Russia, 16th century. The others in various museums, most of them seem the have the same manner of attachment on top of the pole with 3 screws. kind regards Ulfberth Attached Images

15th August 2021, 10:58 AM	#4
broadaxe Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 332	Berdiches from the National History Museum of Ukraine, Kiev: Attached Images

4th August 2021, 11:27 AM	#2
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	They show up now and then; even here, if you use the Search button on Bardiche

15th August 2021, 06:02 PM	#5
CSinTX Member Join Date: Apr 2014 Posts: 233	Thanks for the similar examples! It seems there are two very distinct types. Both perfectly represented in Broadaxe's post. Do we know anything about the differences? Difference in area of origin or maybe age?

16th August 2021, 04:50 PM	#6
broadaxe Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 332	If I recall right, there were almost no details on the spot. AFAIK the longer, slender one is more of a Turkish type/influence, while the broader one with decorative holes is strictly Russian.