Halberds ca. 1500-1580

[Matchlock]

Retaining its original haft (shortened). Sold Hermann Historica, Munich, Oct 8, 2009, hammer price 2,100 euro plus 23 per cent auction fees.

And a rare Bavarian saber halberd, ca. 1630, in the same auction, unsold.

Michael

[Dmitry]

Michael, what is the purpose of this bracket/ring ?
Sometimes it's present, and sometimes there isn't one. The langets are more than sufficient in stabilizing the head onto the shaft, imho.
Was the fabric or bullion fringe tasseled wrapped around these? Otherwise I don't see much use to it being there.

I just purchased an old [hopefully very old] halberd head without its shaft, and this bracket somehow survived. I will be restoring the shaft and putting the halberd together, and was wondering about this bracket. Photos are to follow.

[Matchlock]

Hi Dmitry,

Actually these brackets were meant for reinforcement of the straps and the haft; not all halberds were mounted with them, though, and usually not before ca. 1530.

The fabric usually is raw silk and/or wool. It was in use from ca. 1530-1600 and primarily an adornment. Italian halberds of the latter 16th c. often had hafts covered with velvet in the upper half.

Best,
Michael

[fernando]

The name of that device is "ZWINGE".
You may as well check if the blade is sharp(ened) and the back beak has its point reinforced; that would be a sign of age and an added value, meaning the halberd was meant for business.
Pictures will be greatly appreciated.

[Matchlock]

Thank you so much, 'Nando,

For adding the original German term Zwinge - obviously your German is better than mine, and so is your Bavarian dialect!

Best,
Michl

[Dmitry]

Length with langets 125cm.
Length w/out langets 80 cm.
From looking at my books and auction catalogs - South German or Austrian, ca.1600.

[fernando]

No maker's mark?