Collection record · Objects & craft
Parade Halberd (from the state guard of Elector Christian I of Saxony [ 1560- 91])
The collection record classifies this work as arms and armor. It is dated 1586–91. Recorded culture or place: Germany, Saxony, late 16th Century.
Explore the object recordOBJECT RECORD
A closer look at the details.
- Museum title
- Parade Halberd (from the state guard of Elector Christian I of Saxony [ 1560- 91])
- Date
- 1586–91
- Culture / origin
- Germany, Saxony, late 16th Century
- Materials and technique
- steel, gilt and etched; round wood haft
- Dimensions
- Overall: 238.2 cm (93 3/4 in.); Blade: 30.5 cm (12 in.)
- Artist / maker
- Not specified by the museum
- Museum
- The Cleveland Museum of Art
- Accession number
- 1916.1819
FROM THE MUSEUM
In the museum’s words
The following description is reproduced from the Cleveland Museum of Art’s original English record.
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 the late 1500s, the parade halberd had become a ceremonial weapon for palace guards.
FOLLOW THE SOURCE
Text and image sources
The Cleveland Museum of Art · Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance · CC0
The summary is based on public collection data. Refer to the museum’s latest record for the title, date and attribution.
Open the complete museum record View the open-access policyTHE VISITOR BOOK
What caught your eye?
Opening the visitor book…
