This classic Italian (almost certainly made in the Veneto, Venice's hinterland) infantry polearm saw continuous use from the late 15th to the early 17th century. The Metropolitan Museum shows five of these in Stone's Glossary. The Palazzo Ducale armoury in Venice has four examples. This is the earlier variant, the later ones having shorter blades.
This would have been carried, latterly, by palace guards and such like, but, in the earlier period, was used as a regular combat weapon, hence the surprisingly stout nature of the central blade, made very much in the manner of the sword blades of the period, ie of a heavy diamond section, sharply tapered.
It would have been mounted on an ash shaft with iron side straps. It is 67cm long and measures 21cm from tip to tip of the side guard. There is an old brazing repair at the base of the socket. It has suffered a little overcleaning on the side guards, but is generally in excellent shape for its age.
Of the two photos of the inside of the socket, one was taken with an ordinary torch shining down it (orange glow), while the other was taken with a small, rather ineffective LED light.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Edged Weapons : Polearms : Italian : 16th Century]
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