Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Matchlock · 10th December 2014, 12:37 AM

Hi Evgeny,

It has been good to hear from you again.

The overall shape of the blade as well as the asymmetric point from where the tang protrudes (most of which is missing now) make me think that this may indeed have been the head of some 15th to 16th century hafted peasant's weapon, a sort of primitive halberd.
Just similar to the one illustrated in the top attachment, only without that hooked spike.
On the other hand, it might also be the blade of a so-called Seitenwehr retaining a small portion of its tang, a larger multi-purpose knife carried by almost any man, no matter whether peasant, mercenary or nobleman.

I have never come across that bladesmith's mark before but its style reminds me of a four-petal flower head, corresponding to the classic Late Gothic quatrefoil element (German: Vierpass), which would perfectly fit the period of manufacture I assume.

Best,
Michael

10th December 2014, 12:37 AM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Evgeny, It has been good to hear from you again. The overall shape of the blade as well as the asymmetric point from where the tang protrudes (most of which is missing now) make me think that this may indeed have been the head of some 15th to 16th century hafted peasant's weapon, a sort of primitive halberd. Just similar to the one illustrated in the top attachment, only without that hooked spike. On the other hand, it might also be the blade of a so-called Seitenwehr retaining a small portion of its tang, a larger multi-purpose knife carried by almost any man, no matter whether peasant, mercenary or nobleman. I have never come across that bladesmith's mark before but its style reminds me of a four-petal flower head, corresponding to the classic Late Gothic quatrefoil element (German: Vierpass), which would perfectly fit the period of manufacture I assume. Best, Michael Attached Images Last edited by Matchlock; 10th December 2014 at 01:08 AM.