Artwork Page for Bill

Details / Information for Bill

Bill

c. 1480

Italy, 15th century

Medium
steel, wood haft
Measurements
Overall: 184.8 cm (72 3/4 in.); Blade: 11.4 cm (4 1/2 in.)
Weight: 2.24 kg (4.94 lbs.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1835
Public Domain
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Location
210A Armor Court
Print
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Did You Know?

With its long shaft, the bill was useful for reaching mounted men, and a military version soon emerged.

Description

This weapon known as the "bill" was developed from an agricultural tool and was one of the first staff weapons to be used by medieval infantries. Used throughout Western Europe, it was particularly popular in Italy and England where it served as an equivalent to the Central European halberd. Fitted with a pronounced hook whose inside and outside curves were cutting edges, it was topped by a long spike.

Bill

c. 1480

Italy, 15th century

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