AN ITALIAN RUNKA C.1525

In the first half of the 16th century, the Italian runka retained the simple elegance of its Gothic roots. Its large uniformly tapered fore spike is of form and proportions virtually indistinguishable from the broadsword blades of the day and it could be used in much the same way but at length. The large crescent base lugs, sharpened on both edges, were equally menacing and capable of unseating a mounted adversary. If he should be downed, the lugs could easily cut the leather which joined his armor. If slipped between the plates of the armor, the leverage afforded by the haft allowed cutting of all but the thickest plates. This example represents the runka in its peak fighting form. The haft retains two fluted domed bosses on each side, each of which protects the remnants of the red velvet which covered the the upper haft originally. cf. a virtually identical example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Illustrated, Stone , P.529 Length overall: 99"

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