19th century Philippine Halberd from Spanish Colonial Guard

Robert · 24th August 2014, 04:22 AM

Wonderful items and in such good condition. Did you get any provenance with these, possibly paperwork that traces their line of ownership over the years? Even if you didn't they are still a great addition to any collection. My congratulations to you on your new acquisitions.

Best,
Robert

mdp10003 · 24th August 2014, 04:47 AM

Unfortunately, no provenance yet but I have reason to believe it was in the Arkansas state collection and they deaccessioned it. I will confirm when i get them.

Robert · 24th August 2014, 05:02 AM

Looking forward to hearing what you find out. Hopefully if these were owned by that institution they will be able to furnish you with a complete history on them. Good luck and keep us updated on your progress. If you ever get tired of looking at them I have a space on my wall that would fit them perfectly.

Best,
Robert

KraVseR · 24th August 2014, 07:24 PM

Sorry, can you tell more about Alabarderos de la Guardia del Virrey? Maybe who have image of this warriors?

mdp10003 · 24th August 2014, 07:56 PM

The Albarderos were the personal bodyguards of the Spanish Captain-General (Governor) in the colonial times in the Philippines.

Actually, the Guardias del Virreyes operated in Spanish colonies in Latin America. I found out from the book "Legislación militar aplicada al ejército de Filipinas" published in 1879 that in Spanish Philippines, the guards were the Guardias de Albarderos del Real Sello (Halberdier Guards of the Royal Seal), which operated from 1589-1867. They were replaced in 1874 until presumably the end of the Spanish colonial regime in 1898 by the Guardias del Capitan General (Guards of the Captain-General).

In both cases, they were a small unit (20-30 men), who were drawn from the best soldiers in the regular army and were entrusted with protection of the governor. Two halberdiers usually accompanied the governor (with their halberds) when he left the palace.

Battara · 25th August 2014, 01:29 AM

I saw these earlier - nice picture and great info. Thanks!

mdp10003 · 25th August 2014, 05:00 AM

I was contacted over the weekend by the deputy director of the National Museum of the Philippines, and they are very interested in acquiring at least one of the halberd heads I was fortunate enough to win in auction. I am leaning towards donating one to the National Museum, where they can find their way home in Manila. I am just doing due diligence to see if they really need this in their collection, and what its likely fate would be in their collection. (Sorry, Robert).

24th August 2014, 04:47 AM	#2
mdp10003 Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 28	Provenance Unfortunately, no provenance yet but I have reason to believe it was in the Arkansas state collection and they deaccessioned it. I will confirm when i get them.

24th August 2014, 07:56 PM	#5
mdp10003 Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 28	The Albarderos were the personal bodyguards of the Spanish Captain-General (Governor) in the colonial times in the Philippines. Actually, the Guardias del Virreyes operated in Spanish colonies in Latin America. I found out from the book "Legislación militar aplicada al ejército de Filipinas" published in 1879 that in Spanish Philippines, the guards were the Guardias de Albarderos del Real Sello (Halberdier Guards of the Royal Seal), which operated from 1589-1867. They were replaced in 1874 until presumably the end of the Spanish colonial regime in 1898 by the Guardias del Capitan General (Guards of the Captain-General). In both cases, they were a small unit (20-30 men), who were drawn from the best soldiers in the regular army and were entrusted with protection of the governor. Two halberdiers usually accompanied the governor (with their halberds) when he left the palace. Last edited by mdp10003; 24th August 2014 at 09:29 PM.

25th August 2014, 05:00 AM	#7
mdp10003 Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 28	Donating to the National Museum I was contacted over the weekend by the deputy director of the National Museum of the Philippines, and they are very interested in acquiring at least one of the halberd heads I was fortunate enough to win in auction. I am leaning towards donating one to the National Museum, where they can find their way home in Manila. I am just doing due diligence to see if they really need this in their collection, and what its likely fate would be in their collection. (Sorry, Robert).

24th August 2014, 04:22 AM	#1
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Wonderful items and in such good condition. Did you get any provenance with these, possibly paperwork that traces their line of ownership over the years? Even if you didn't they are still a great addition to any collection. My congratulations to you on your new acquisitions. Best, Robert

24th August 2014, 05:02 AM	#3
Robert EAAF Staff Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Centerville, Kansas Posts: 2,196	Looking forward to hearing what you find out. Hopefully if these were owned by that institution they will be able to furnish you with a complete history on them. Good luck and keep us updated on your progress. If you ever get tired of looking at them I have a space on my wall that would fit them perfectly. Best, Robert

24th August 2014, 07:24 PM	#4
KraVseR Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Ukraine Posts: 128	Sorry, can you tell more about Alabarderos de la Guardia del Virrey? Maybe who have image of this warriors?

25th August 2014, 01:29 AM	#6
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,342	I saw these earlier - nice picture and great info. Thanks!