Polish or Ukrainian. Forged iron head with broad base spurs and wide triangular point pierced with a cross on base bar. That feature is likely a representation of the foot rest on the Eastern Orthodox cross which distinguishes it from the Roman version. The entire base, one side with a large inscription, perhaps Slovanic. 80 1/2 overall length. The heavy wood haft with an old collection tag below the head. A little wear throughout typical for the period and all details well preserved. Following the Thirty Years War which ended in 1648, Poland was attacked by Russia and subsequently, Sweden with devastating results. The Polish-Lithuanian union was dissolved and Jan IIKaziemierz abdicated in 1668. This weapon was made for that conflict. As it served a nation largely vanquished, its survival is exceptional.
