Lot Essay
The first made as one of a set for the guard of Cardinal Friedrich of Hesse, Prince Bishop of Breslau (1616-82). Probably made for his installation as Bishop in 1676
Details
A GERMAN HALBERD, AND A STANDARD
THE FIRST DATED 1676, THE SECOND 18TH CENTURY
The first with leaf-shaped blade with medial ridge, crescentic axe-blade and claw-shaped fluke, tapering socket of square section and two long side-straps (one broken and incomplete), etched on both sides with trophies of arms and anchors with crossed oars and involving, on one face, the crowned lion rampant of Hesse supporting a bishop's hat and a cross, and the date in a wreath, and on the other, an oval medallion inscribed 'Pro Deo et Ecclesia' and the monogram 'F.C.H.' within a wreath, all against a coarsely granulated ground, on later wooden staff; the second with gilt leaf-shaped head, on original staff with nails securing the remains of a silk faced standard embroidered in yellow silk and silver thread with four crowned crossed septres and swords and a large letter 'L', with silver braid fringe and silver-gilt tassels (2)
THE FIRST DATED 1676, THE SECOND 18TH CENTURY
The first with leaf-shaped blade with medial ridge, crescentic axe-blade and claw-shaped fluke, tapering socket of square section and two long side-straps (one broken and incomplete), etched on both sides with trophies of arms and anchors with crossed oars and involving, on one face, the crowned lion rampant of Hesse supporting a bishop's hat and a cross, and the date in a wreath, and on the other, an oval medallion inscribed 'Pro Deo et Ecclesia' and the monogram 'F.C.H.' within a wreath, all against a coarsely granulated ground, on later wooden staff; the second with gilt leaf-shaped head, on original staff with nails securing the remains of a silk faced standard embroidered in yellow silk and silver thread with four crowned crossed septres and swords and a large letter 'L', with silver braid fringe and silver-gilt tassels (2)