Many thanks to Fernando for raising an important point about polearms and their similarity with farm tools which is probably not coincidental. In medieval times there were many peasant rebellions and at other times peasants were often used to serve as infantry. They would then presumably use what was at hand, from which polearms developed. Madnumforce points out the racket in which farm tools on a stick are sold very profitably as antique arms, something which every arms collector should beware of. The distinction between farm tools and arms on sticks can sometimes be blurred and they may at times have been used for both purposes. I would suggest that polearms may be recognized by decorative elements that show intention for use in rituals, military/armoury marks, ruler coat of arms, etc. Even where there are no decorative elements, as in Fernando’s example above, the presence of langets suggests military use.
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