BRITISH MILITARY SARGEANT'S HALBERD 1740 TO 1793

BRITISH MILITARY SARGEANT'S HALBERD 1740 TO 1793

Hover to zoom

Image 1 Image 2 Image 3 Image 4 Image 5 Image 6 Image 7

$2,200.00 ON HOLD

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1298-08

The halberd was a polearm carried by lower-ranking officers in European infantry units in the 16th through 18th centuries. By the early 18th-century the halberd had become a symbol of rank. It served principally as an instrument for ensuring that infantrymen in ranks stood correctly aligned with each other and that their muskets were aimed at the correct level. Of course, if pressed it could be used as a weapon particularly after a regiment formed square to repel cavalry. In the British army, sergeants continued to carry halberds until 1793, when they were replaced by the spontoon.  The British form resembled a battle-axe with a wide cross-blade and a rear beak under a vertical spear point.

This example was found in New England and certainly dates 1740 to 1783. The metal surfaces have moderate pitting overall; this is not unsightly but rather presents a pleasing look of great age. It has some old surface varnish on it and would benefit from having it removed. The spear point above the axe is 9 inches long and has a bulbous base. There is a slight bend near the point. The battle-axe is 9 inches long and 7 inches wide at the "cutting edge". The iron straps running down the wooden shaft for 11 inches long and have 4 rivets holding the head firmly in place. The haft or shaft is probably ash and is the original to this weapon; it is 5 3/4 feet long and ends in a bulbous base made without a grounding iron. The overall length of this halberd is 7 feet. This regulation British army halberd is a must for a French Indian War or Revolutionary War collection.    [pe][ph:L]

Special shipping arrangements necessary.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!

Inquire About BRITISH MILITARY SARGEANT'S HALBERD 1740 TO 1793

should be empty