16th C European Trident (War Fork)?

[DavidFriedman]

Greetings fellow enthusiasts. I recently acquired this beautiful war fork from Europe. Titled War Fork 1600’s.

It appears similar to some documented examples, but not identical in form.

May I ask if anyone with experience in European polearms has any insight on this piece?

Cheers and thanks.

[fernando]

Most interesting David ... but, are you sure this is European ?
Any marks ?

[DavidFriedman]

Hi Fernando,
I’m not 100 % sure it’s European, but I’ve never seen a trident like this design in any other region, personally. I’m pretty familiar with Indian and Chinese trident forms.


Any ideas of which region if not Europe?

Unfortunately there aren’t any markings I can see, but I’ll scour it more today and see if there’s any hidden away.

I attached an image that showed several European war forks.

[fernando]

So it is European, David; it is just that i had some doubts about the shape, like looking Asian ... but what do i know .
One thing is certain; it is a beautiful piece .

[DavidFriedman]

Hi Fernando,
It’s definitely a mystery piece for sure. Thanks, I love it’s form. I hope it’s as old as the ones in the illustration.

Thanks

[fernando]

Do you know where you got that illustration, David ?
I went through authors like George Snook and John Waldman and the only style of polearms resembling yours is the RUNKA. However the differences in shape and construction look visibly different.

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