RARE 18TH CENTURY KOREAN HALBERD

Finely forged iron head with original light tool finish. Wedge section crescent axe blade, opposite waisted back spike pierced for a colorful banner or ribbon. Tapered fore spike, flat one side and medially ridged the other. 70 ¾” overall length on lacquered wood haft. As with Japan, Korea reverted to isolationism in the period, but was plagued by internal rebellions. In the late century, the Catholic purges resulted in the executions of Christian converts. Conscious of external ambitions for conquest (China and Japan) the military was reorganized and weapons modernized, though firearms were largely ignored. This halberd was likely retired as a result of that movement. The only Korean example we have ever offered.