An Italian Bill (Roncone) for comment

[Philip]

Originally Posted by BUCC_Guy

I found one of similar construction (diamond spike, hard angle hook) previously sold by Christies.

Is it a safe bet that this one is likely 1520-1530?

My initial thought was that this one was indeed earlier than most on the market as construction is a bit more crude than the more refined, sleek Bills we see later in the 16th century. The hook angle is closer to a 90 degree angle than most examples.

Thanks for posting all the photos, and discussing comparable examples. I agree on your assessment of date. It's a nice example of a no-frills service weapon of a foot soldier of the era. Condition isn't at all bad for something that's been round the block a few times, five centuries ago.

[Kmaddock]

Great looking item

It looks like a real multi tool of a weapon with spikes and blades in all directions, like the African throwing knives in a way.

Personally I take a similar approach to cleaning, only when active rust is present.

Great collection of polearms by the way I enjoy your posts

regards
Ken

[cornelistromp]

as the roncone gets "younger" it also gets smaller in shape, well 1500 onwards, from a certain point in the second half of the 16thC more suitable for processing and less as a fighting weapon.
I usually use Bashford Dean's polearms overview for dating purposes.

best,
Jasper

[BUCC_Guy]

Stumbled upon a somewhat similar construction, described as mid-16th century. The form of my roncone is certainly difficult to nail down. I hope to get a more typical one in the future.


On the plus side, I completed the majority of the weapon mounting in my new house.

[Philip]

Originally Posted by BUCC_Guy

Stumbled upon a somewhat similar construction, described as mid-16th century. The form of my roncone is certainly difficult to nail down. I hope to get a more typical one in the future.


On the plus side, I completed the majority of the weapon mounting in my new house.

Great displays! I like your choice of furniture as well.

There are some interesting things about your roncone, the unusually long dorsal spike is a nice touch. These weapons were extremely popular for about two centuries, used in various European countries and even copied by the Turks (likely due to their prolonged contact with Italian forces and the Knights of St John in the Mediterranean and the Balkans). If you would review the entry on "Bill" in Stone's Glossary... and the accompanying Fig. 149 with 9 examples of various shapes (all ex-Bashford Dean), you'll see what I mean. Well, with the space in your new house, you can start hunting for several major variations, not just one "typical" style!

[Victrix]

Fantastic display!

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Victrix

Fantastic display!

Indeed .