My polearm collection for your amusement

[batjka]

Glad you joined! This place is a treasure of knowledge. Perhaps someone could chime in about the berdiche-looking weapon.

And that hammer is very interesting.

[BUCC_Guy]

A new shipment of polearms arrived, two from Italy and two halberds from Auctions Imperial. One halberd I quite like, the other one was a waste of money. I think it’s real, it just has minimal... flavor.


I’ll shamelessly use auction photos for some.

There’s a bardiche looking weapon that I really hesitate to call a bardiche. I’m going to continue to do research on it, as it certainly has the shape associated with early extant halberds and artistic renditions from the 13th-14th century. As we know from art examples, there was a range of one to three sockets, some some voulge-like examples with capped/long sockets, so attachment method, to me, takes a back seat to blade shape. But, as we know, there were some peasant weapons all the way through the 18th century that used this shape also. Most later examples, however, had a larger gap between blade and shaft.

I’ve enclosed a painting from the mid 13th century and an example of a 13th century halberd for comparison.

Additionally, I received what appears to be a mid-16th century corseque, although I typically call this a ranseur. Langets shorted, but otherwise a nice example.

Also attached is a rather petite but stout Swiss halberd, I’d reckon mid to late 16th century. I rather like it, owing to the short and sturdy spike.

Also in view is a rather boring Swiss halberd, shortened haft.

I’m running out of space! Hopefully I will have a new gallery hanging system this summer.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by BUCC_Guy

... I’ve enclosed a painting from the mid 13th century and an example of a 13th century halberd for comparison...

Both exceptional, no doubt .

Originally Posted by BUCC_Guy

...I’m running out of space ...

I could help you with that .

[BUCC_Guy]

Originally Posted by fernando

Both exceptional, no doubt .


I could help you with that .

I’ve engineered a new hanging system, and purchased $2000 in art gallery lighting. I should be able to fit 14 polearms on the walls that currently have only 6... and they’ll be properly lit!

The only one I’ve ever considered selling is an American Revolution era pike. Americans don’t do polearms well... we’re better at other weapons... that I also have too many of.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by BUCC_Guy

... we’re better at other weapons... that I also have too many of. ...

You need not bother showing those ... at all; this is not the right venue for such sort of things !.

[Terry K]

Very nice collection!

[Victrix]

For when you move into that house.

[Victrix]

Congrats on the expanded collection! I particularly like the sturdy Swiss halberd. I have a similar one but with a longer spike and a hook. Don’t despair of the item with the shortened haft as these can be used in displays where the piece of missing haft is concealed by a shield, piece of furniture, etc.

You may consider procuring a rack for your pole arms, the type which they used in castle armouries. These are cool and prevent you from running out of space.

[BUCC_Guy]

Originally Posted by Victrix

Congrats on the expanded collection! I particularly like the sturdy Swiss halberd. I have a similar one but with a longer spike and a hook. Don’t despair of the item with the shortened haft as these can be used in displays where the piece of missing haft is concealed by a shield, piece of furniture, etc.

You may consider procuring a rack for your pole arms, the type which they used in castle armouries. These are cool and prevent you from running out of space.

I will likely have a custom rack made when I buy a house. For now, I live in a 30+ story highrise, and my rack will be more modern looking.

This is the shortened halberd. You’re right... I can do lots of things to hide the bottom! It’s just annoying that it’s more effort, but at least it didn’t cost much.

[CSinTX]

Originally Posted by BUCC_Guy

Also attached is a rather petite but stout Swiss halberd, I’d reckon mid to late 16th century. I rather like it, owing to the short and sturdy spike.

I think this piece may be styrian. Take a look at the one here. The design and "keyholes" are very similar to yours. It has the "HW" mark that is known to be styrian.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=halberd

[BUCC_Guy]

Originally Posted by CSinTX

I think this piece may be styrian. Take a look at the one here. The design and "keyholes" are very similar to yours. It has the "HW" mark that is known to be styrian.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=halberd

Very well could be!

I should have posted mine with the makers mark showing.

[CSinTX]

Originally Posted by BUCC_Guy

I should have posted mine with the makers mark showing.

With that mark, you might want to check out this thread, if you havent already. Several Swiss halberds with similar marks. Who knows?

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...7&page=1&pp=30

[Victrix]

Makers’ marks make collecting much more interesting, but has frustrations on it’s own. I recognize the mark but can’t recall the name now... The marks on polearms seem less known than swords. This style of halberd is German, which could be just about anywhere in the Germanic lands including Styria (Steiermark). It looks sturdy and the short but thick spike makes it look functional rather than a parade item. I did some research on my halberd. Apart from the shape of the blade you can compare the construction of the socket with museum pieces.

These halberds are Styrian from the Army (Heeresgeschichtliche) Museum in Vienna. I think most identifiable Austrian halberds were made in either Wiener Neustadt or Steyr.

[kronckew]

Cool collection. Here in the UK Infantry Colour Sergeants carried Halberds like mine below into the late 18c. (2nd/3rd photo).

.