Halberds ca. 1500-1580

Matchlock · 12th October 2009, 04:09 PM

Retaining its original haft (shortened). Sold Hermann Historica, Munich, Oct 8, 2009, hammer price 2,100 euro plus 23 per cent auction fees.

And a rare Bavarian saber halberd, ca. 1630, in the same auction, unsold.

Michael

Dmitry · 5th October 2010, 05:00 AM

Michael, what is the purpose of this bracket/ring ?
Sometimes it's present, and sometimes there isn't one. The langets are more than sufficient in stabilizing the head onto the shaft, imho.
Was the fabric or bullion fringe tasseled wrapped around these? Otherwise I don't see much use to it being there.

I just purchased an old [hopefully very old] halberd head without its shaft, and this bracket somehow survived. I will be restoring the shaft and putting the halberd together, and was wondering about this bracket. Photos are to follow.

Matchlock · 5th October 2010, 01:44 PM

Hi Dmitry,

Actually these brackets were meant for reinforcement of the straps and the haft; not all halberds were mounted with them, though, and usually not before ca. 1530.

The fabric usually is raw silk and/or wool. It was in use from ca. 1530-1600 and primarily an adornment. Italian halberds of the latter 16th c. often had hafts covered with velvet in the upper half.

Best,
Michael

fernando · 5th October 2010, 03:16 PM

The name of that device is "ZWINGE".
You may as well check if the blade is sharp(ened) and the back beak has its point reinforced; that would be a sign of age and an added value, meaning the halberd was meant for business.
Pictures will be greatly appreciated.

Matchlock · 5th October 2010, 04:36 PM

Thank you so much, 'Nando,

For adding the original German term Zwinge - obviously your German is better than mine, and so is your Bavarian dialect!

Best,
Michl

Dmitry · 5th October 2010, 06:33 PM

Length with langets 125cm.
Length w/out langets 80 cm.
From looking at my books and auction catalogs - South German or Austrian, ca.1600.

fernando · 5th October 2010, 06:47 PM

No maker's mark?

12th October 2009, 04:09 PM	#1
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	A Good German or Swiss Halberd, ca. 1530 Retaining its original haft (shortened). Sold Hermann Historica, Munich, Oct 8, 2009, hammer price 2,100 euro plus 23 per cent auction fees. And a rare Bavarian saber halberd, ca. 1630, in the same auction, unsold. Michael Attached Images

5th October 2010, 05:00 AM	#2
Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 607	Michael, what is the purpose of this bracket/ring ? Sometimes it's present, and sometimes there isn't one. The langets are more than sufficient in stabilizing the head onto the shaft, imho. Was the fabric or bullion fringe tasseled wrapped around these? Otherwise I don't see much use to it being there. I just purchased an old [hopefully very old] halberd head without its shaft, and this bracket somehow survived. I will be restoring the shaft and putting the halberd together, and was wondering about this bracket. Photos are to follow. Attached Images

5th October 2010, 06:33 PM	#6
Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 607	Length with langets 125cm. Length w/out langets 80 cm. From looking at my books and auction catalogs - South German or Austrian, ca.1600. Attached Images

5th October 2010, 01:44 PM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Dmitry, Actually these brackets were meant for reinforcement of the straps and the haft; not all halberds were mounted with them, though, and usually not before ca. 1530. The fabric usually is raw silk and/or wool. It was in use from ca. 1530-1600 and primarily an adornment. Italian halberds of the latter 16th c. often had hafts covered with velvet in the upper half. Best, Michael

5th October 2010, 03:16 PM	#4
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	The name of that device is "ZWINGE". You may as well check if the blade is sharp(ened) and the back beak has its point reinforced; that would be a sign of age and an added value, meaning the halberd was meant for business. Pictures will be greatly appreciated.

5th October 2010, 04:36 PM	#5
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Thank you so much, 'Nando, For adding the original German term Zwinge - obviously your German is better than mine, and so is your Bavarian dialect! Best, Michl

5th October 2010, 06:47 PM	#7
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	No maker's mark?