Artwork Page for Halberd

Details / Information for Halberd

Halberd

1475–1500

Germany

(?)
Medium
steel, pierced circular holes; wood haft
Support
Pierced circular holes
Measurements
Overall: 230.7 cm (90 13/16 in.); Blade: 21.9 cm (8 5/8 in.)
Weight: 2.44 kg (5.38 lbs.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1559
Public Domain
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Location
210A Armor Court
Print
?

Did You Know?

The first halberds are believed to have been made for warriors of medieval Switzerland.

Description

The halberd was a staff weapon favored by European infantries (foot soldiers) of the 1400s and 1500s for its versatility and deadly effect. The word halberd comes from the German words Halm (staff) and Barte (axe). The halberd is, in fact, an axe that served multiple functions: the axe blade was used for hacking, the spike for thrusting, and the beak for piercing plate armor or for pulling a knight from his saddle. The halberd was used by shock troops (those who lead an attack) and by Swiss and German mercenaries. After about 1550, the halberd gradually became less functional. Its large blade provided space for coats of arms and insignia. By the late 1500s, the parade halberd had become a ceremonial weapon for palace guards.
Three halberds, weapons, each feature a steel axe blade, a short spike extending from the back, and a longer spike rising from the top. Wood shafts support the weapons, with metal pieces bolted over the wood at several points. The central halberd has several holes punched into the axe. All three have been tarnished with black specks.

Halberd

1475–1500

Germany (?)

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