North Italian Parade Halberd, ca. 1580

Description

Head with large crescent-shaped axe head and downward-angled rear beak; the surface pierced with geometric designs and decorated with punched dots and flowers. At the base of the 13″ diamond-section thrusting blade is a knot of 6 chiseled face medallions in relief. Pyramid-shaped side lugs on each side below the medallions. Mounted with a pair of side straps to a later hardwood shaft. Length of metal 32″, overall 91″. Metal generally smooth and bright with some light rust marking. Similar examples are in the Doges Palace in Venice.