Northern Europe. Forged iron, 10 3/8” length with broad crescent form bit. Hooked back for rein cutting, blade engaging and armor plate engaging. Tapered bolster and shield shaped socket. Isolated pock marks pitting on textured surface with some original surface evident. Originally mounted in two lengths depending on the threat. Full length, about 7-8 feet were effective against cavalry while a shorter haft, about four feet total, was used against infantry. These were stocked in quantity in town arsenals in Switzerland and the German states to arm citizen militias which were trained in their use. A true Gothic poleaxe.
