CIRCA 1580
Details
A German State Halberd Of The Guard Of August, Elector Of Saxony (Ruled 1553-1586)
Circa 1580
With long spike of stiff diamond section, heavy blade with deeply concave leading edge, narrow downcurved fluke, and open socket with etched and gilt clamp at its base, etched on both sides, including the basal third of the spike, with scrolls and strapwork against a blackened and partly dotted ground, and on the socket and straps with an overlapping scale and leaf design, the blade with a gilt oval cartouche on each side, one bearing the arms of Saxony, and the other the crossed swords of the archmarshalcy of the Holy Roman Empire, four straps, large tassel, and original fluted wooden staff (partly replaced)
29½in. (74.9cm.) head
For a similar halberd see von Kienbusch Collection, No. 567
Circa 1580
With long spike of stiff diamond section, heavy blade with deeply concave leading edge, narrow downcurved fluke, and open socket with etched and gilt clamp at its base, etched on both sides, including the basal third of the spike, with scrolls and strapwork against a blackened and partly dotted ground, and on the socket and straps with an overlapping scale and leaf design, the blade with a gilt oval cartouche on each side, one bearing the arms of Saxony, and the other the crossed swords of the archmarshalcy of the Holy Roman Empire, four straps, large tassel, and original fluted wooden staff (partly replaced)
29½in. (74.9cm.) head
For a similar halberd see von Kienbusch Collection, No. 567
Provenance
Anon. sale, Galerie Fischer, Luzern, 24 June 1974, Lot 13