A Bardiche

[CSinTX]

Recently acquired as a hard to find addition to my pole arm collection. Of all the weapons I've held in my hands, this one feels the most impressive. Surprisingly light and fast in the hands but substantial enough to do some major damage. It works well as both an offensive or defensive weapon. I would not want to be the guy to come up against it in the hands of a well trained adversary!

Unfortunately, there is not much information out there about them. Ive read anything from 13th C. to 18th C. Origins from Russia, Turkey, to central Europe. Are there any known excavated examples? Museums with similar pieces?

Thanks!

[fernando]

They show up now and then; even here, if you use the Search button on Bardiche ;)

[ulfberth]

hi Casey , the one in the first picture is in The Cleveland Museum of Art and described as Germany or Russia, 16th century.
The others in various museums, most of them seem the have the same manner of attachment on top of the pole with 3 screws.
kind regards
Ulfberth

[broadaxe]

Berdiches from the National History Museum of Ukraine, Kiev:

[CSinTX]

Thanks for the similar examples!

It seems there are two very distinct types. Both perfectly represented in Broadaxe's post. Do we know anything about the differences? Difference in area of origin or maybe age?

[broadaxe]

If I recall right, there were almost no details on the spot. AFAIK the longer, slender one is more of a Turkish type/influence, while the broader one with decorative holes is strictly Russian.