A French halberd head ?

[fernando]

I was offered this one. Acquired in France. Had a look to Newmann's and other assorted publications and inferred this would be a French
halberd/partizan head. The socket was a poor replacement; i took it off right away.
What do you guys say about this thing ?

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[A Senefelder]

Fernando, this is an offhand observation only, the chiselwork decoration at the base of the head around where the tines are reminds me of the decorations i've seen on late 19th/early 20th century Afghan axeheads and spears.

[fernando]

Not so offhand, Allan,
To tell you the truth, i was divided into posting this piece in the Ethno section or in here.
The decoration also looks Eastern to me but, somehow, i was influenced by the (French looking ?) extensions and by the fact that it was acquired in France.
Will copy this thread to the Ethno Forum.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Fernando,
Possibly a South European Ronseur?
My Regards,
Norman.

[Timo Nieminen]

The curly spikes are very thick. Is it cast? The thickness of the spikes makes me think "Victorian replica" or similar.

How large/heavy is it?

[fernando]

Thank you Norman :) .
Just about what i think it might be. Watch the example in Neumann's book.

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[fernando]

Thank you Timo

The curly spikes are very thick. Is it cast? The thickness of the spikes makes me think "Victorian replica" or similar.

How large/heavy is it?
Total length 38 cms.... as it is, without socket. Weight 512 grams. Width at the extensions 7 cms.
I don't think this cast work ... or Victorian !
Besides, the decorations represent some later interference, as proposed by David, rather than proposed by Allan :o

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/newreply.php?do=newreply&noquote=1&p=154918

[junker]

Hi,
I found the two in the book from Müller/Körting.
First is called an italian one with the decoration, second also called a french halberd. Both from end of the 17 century

best
Dirk

[fernando]

Thank you so much for those precious pictures, Dirk.
Assuming i have a descendant of those early specimens, the problem now is guessing how late my variant is.
Maybe the Islamic decoration probability is now less evident.

[junker]

I will keep my eyes open. because i like polearms and lances best maybe i get once another clue