Early Halberd for coments

[Matchlock]

O.k., this is what I found out.

My first guess was mid to 2nd half 15th c., ca. 1450-70.

This surmise is backed up by the existence of a very similar halberd, Swiss, dated to the second half of the 15th c., and preserved in the Historisches Museum Berne. I attach scans from Wegeli's well known inventory of 1939. The text mentions that the lower end of the haft has a pointed iron shoe, just like my earliest halberd of ca. 1500. This is a feature which does not occur after 1500.

Please also refer to my thread

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7450


Congrats once more, 'Nando, you made a fine bargain and did good hafting work as well! Your new acquisition may well be of Swiss origin.

Various star shaped makers marks similar to that on your item are also to found on these Berne halberds.

Best,
Michael

[fernando]

Thank you ever so much for the precious data, Michl.
... and so good you posted those star marks; i will keep them in my files. The second one looks a lot like mine.
I am glad that you like the hafting; i sweat a lot to fabricate these things. I like the idea of the pointed iron shoe. I'll be looking for something of the kind, when i visit junk fairs.
... and i am extremely glad you are back

[M ELEY]

Amazing work at identifying this piece, Michael! This is why I love this forum...watching you guys work-

[Matchlock]

Thanks, Mark and 'Nando!

Of course your work, too, is highly esteemed!

Best,
Michael