November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
By the outbreak of the American Revolution, the halberd was being used as both a defensive weapon and a symbol of rank, especially for Sergeants. This example is American and is possibly a copy of British sergeant's halberd. The 2 edges of the convex spear point and the blade have been sharpened indicating that this example was used as a weapon and a badge of rank. The head is of 2 piece construction with the blade and beak separately forged from the spear point. Head is stamped with an illegible blacksmith mark. The blade measures approximately 4 - 3/4" and the spear point measures approximately 9 - 1/4". The head is secured to the haft by 2 iron straps which are held in place by 4 screws on each side. Straps measure approximately 10 - 1/4". The haft is most likely a replacement and measures approximately 71 - 1/2" without the butt. Approximately 91" overall. This halberd is featured on pg. 277 of "American Silver-Hilted, Revolutionary and Early Federal Swords Volume I" and similar examples can be viewed in "American Polearms" by Brown and "The History of Weapons of the American Revolution" by Neumann. CONDITION: The head exhibits a gray patina with more of a chocolate appearance on the spear point. Smooth surface with noticeable forging flaws. Head is firmly attached to the haft but slightly offset. Butt is slightly loose. There is a significant crack in the haft at about half of its length. Drill hole in the wood under one of the straps which was possibly done for display.