Looks a bit like a spontoon

OldMcDonald · 28th January 2011, 09:04 AM

Here's an interesting piece (to me anyway) and I'm not sure how to classify it.

It appears to been made for ceremonial purposes, and is cast in solid brass.
Also it's damaged - looks as if it's been thrust into a fire and bent off at the tip.

I did notice a similar looking piece in Rembrandt's painting; the Nightwatch, which has the Lieutenant holding a type of staff - not an exact likeness.

Any ideas of it's age or purpose and what would you describe it as?

Regards, David

M ELEY · 28th January 2011, 01:09 PM

A beautifully crafted piece you have there. Too bad the end is damaged. This is a parade partizan that could have been used by Royal guards standing watch or as part of a royal march, I suppose. A Google search under 'parade partizan' will yield similar examples.

Matchlock · 28th January 2011, 05:47 PM

Oh yes,

A parade partizan or a spontoon, I think both terms are correct.
I would assign it to Northern Italy, 17th c.

A high quality piece no doubt, even though the top finial is missing.

Best,
Michael

28th January 2011, 09:04 AM	#1
OldMcDonald Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 8	Looks a bit like a spontoon Here's an interesting piece (to me anyway) and I'm not sure how to classify it. It appears to been made for ceremonial purposes, and is cast in solid brass. Also it's damaged - looks as if it's been thrust into a fire and bent off at the tip. I did notice a similar looking piece in Rembrandt's painting; the Nightwatch, which has the Lieutenant holding a type of staff - not an exact likeness. Any ideas of it's age or purpose and what would you describe it as? Regards, David Attached Images

28th January 2011, 01:09 PM	#2
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,089	Very nice! A beautifully crafted piece you have there. Too bad the end is damaged. This is a parade partizan that could have been used by Royal guards standing watch or as part of a royal march, I suppose. A Google search under 'parade partizan' will yield similar examples.

28th January 2011, 05:47 PM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Oh yes, A parade partizan or a spontoon, I think both terms are correct. I would assign it to Northern Italy, 17th c. A high quality piece no doubt, even though the top finial is missing. Best, Michael