Italy / c. 1600–50
Parade Halberd
Parade Halberd
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Parade Halberd as arms and armor (Italy · c. 1600–50).
WHY IT’S INTERESTING
Highly decorated with remains of silk tassels, this halberd was for ceremonial use.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this arms and armor as steel, engraved; rectangular wood haft with planed corners.
The museum's collection notes: The halberd was a staff weapon favored by European infantries (foot soldiers) of the 1400s and 1500s for its versatility and deadly effect. The word halberd comes from the German words Halm (staff) and Barte (axe). The halberd is, in fact, an axe that served multiple functions: the axe blade was used for hacking, the spike for thrusting, and the beak for piercing plate armor or for pulling a knight from his saddle. The halberd was used by shock troops (those who lead an attack) and by Swiss and German mercenaries. After about 1550, the halberd gradually became less functional. Its large blade provided space for coats of arms and insignia. By
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtParade HalberdOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.