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Old 18th December 2011, 07:30 PM   #1
machinist
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Default Help/info on old polearms

I have a couple polearms that I have had since the eighties and was wondering if anyone here had any ideas about age, origin, or usage. I was told the previous owner believed they were from Brittany and from the 1700's or previous. The one with two mounting arms I have seen several examples in photos but never any information. The one with a mounting socket someone told me was similar to a sugar cane cutter that he had seen but that fellow seemed a bit off. I am also considering that they may have been used for the butchering of whales as Bretons were supposedly active in that although I would of course prefer to think of them as stout peasant weapons.
Sorry about the pics, I am using the still function on an old camcorder. Pencil used for scale

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Last edited by fernando; 18th December 2011 at 08:45 PM.
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Old 18th December 2011, 08:54 PM   #2
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Hi Machinist,
You should use the forum upload features. I have replaced your photobucket images with direct attachments.
I will also move your thread to the European Arms section, where your polearms will in principle be better placed for discussion.

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Old 19th December 2011, 11:02 PM   #3
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Sorry about that, thanks for the assist Fernando
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Old 20th December 2011, 01:59 PM   #4
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These would be very early examples of the halberd family; in fact, significantly earlier than what you were told.
... So early that you must consider whether they are authentic or recent replicas, like for re-enacting or decoration.
Better pictures would help experienced members to judge on that.
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Old 20th December 2011, 04:46 PM   #5
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Hi 'Nando,

I'm on the same page with you considering that the basic shapes of those polearms are of Late-Gothic style. On second sight though they are late 19th-c. made at best.

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Old 20th December 2011, 11:37 PM   #6
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Thanks for the ideas Fernando and Matchlock, I had not really considered that they might be wallhangers but that is always a possibility. The one with the single socket really looks excavated from its deep pitting but a good faker could do that I suppose. The first order of business for me is to get a proper camera and upload better pics. Thanks again.
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