art-of-swords:Parade Halberd of the Trabantenleibgarde of the Elector August of SaxonyDated: circa 1
art-of-swords:Parade Halberd of the Trabantenleibgarde of the Elector August of SaxonyDated: circa 1580Culture: GermanMeasurements: overall length 211 cm; head without langets 75,5 cm; maximum width 32,5 cmThe head is composed of a long spike of diamond section with ornamental cusps near the base and an axe blade, tapering to a down-pointed beak with a reinforced point on one side, which would have served for both penetrating plate armour by delivering a blow and for pulling an enemy off his horse. There are two auxiliary flukes for decorative purposes, a double one on the lower edge, and a single one on the upper, almost encompassing circles as an open work ornament.sOn the other side the axe blade swings out vertically showing a concave edge, again equipped with two auxiliary flukes. The socket is of square section and has decorative mouldings. Below it extends into for langets that serve to attach the head to the haft by brass capped and fire gild nails. The original wooden haft is of octagonal section.There are extensive etchings all over the axe and the lower part of the spike in the shape of polished foliage strapwork on a blackened ground. In the centre of the blade on either side cartouches comprise the coat of arms of Electoral and Ducal Saxony, respectively.Both depictions are etched and fire gild. This suggests a ceremonial occurrence as a cause for the design of this type of halberd and its use by those Trabanten closest to the Elector. The etching of the head is typical for South Germany and probably of Nuremberg manufacture.Source: Copyright © 2017 Lennart Viebahn -- source link
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