Some kind of polearm ?

[Evgeny_K]

What do you think about this thing gents?
Please, note this marking..

[fernando]

Interesting piece, Evgeny.
With that length and shape ... have you considered it could be a hand weapon and not a pole one ?
But i am just suggesting; no knowledge enough. Let's see what the connoisseurs say about it.

[Matchlock]

Hi Evgeny,


It has been good to hear from you again.

The overall shape of the blade as well as the asymmetric point from where the tang protrudes (most of which is missing now) make me think that this may indeed have been the head of some 15th to 16th century hafted peasant's weapon, a sort of primitive halberd.
Just similar to the one illustrated in the top attachment, only without that hooked spike.
On the other hand, it might also be the blade of a so-called Seitenwehr retaining a small portion of its tang, a larger multi-purpose knife carried by almost any man, no matter whether peasant, mercenary or nobleman.

I have never come across that bladesmith's mark before but its style reminds me of a four-petal flower head, corresponding to the classic Late Gothic quatrefoil element (German: Vierpass), which would perfectly fit the period of manufacture I assume.


Best,
Michael

[Evgeny_K]

Fernando, Michael thank you!

Michael, I think you're right. It looks like remains of the knife/dagger.

With regard to the mark, it looks like this one:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19222

[Matchlock]

I am familiar with that 16th century mark, Evgeny,

I do not think, though, that it is identical with the one your blade is struck with.
Maybe Jasper/Cornelistromp can add something substantial?

Best,
m

[theswordcollector]

The hallmark looks like a talisman.

[kisak]

It reminds me of this one, a Nordic peasant's vouge/couse/kuse according to the auction house.

[fearn]

Sure it's not a modified scythe blade? That "hilt" certainly looks like the curve on a scythe, and it's about the right length.

F