Halberd
- Culture
- German
- Date
- 1622–23
- Material
- Etched steel and wood
- Classification
- Arms & armor, metalwork
- Collection
- Decorative Arts and Design
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 126
- Dimensions
- 91 1/16 x 11 5/16 x 3 in. (231.3 x 28.7 x 7.6 cm)
weight: 5 lb. 10 oz. (2.6 kg)
head: 23 1/4 in. (59.1 cm) - Credit Line
- Museum Purchase
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 168:1926
NOTES
This halberd was made for a bodyguard of Prince Karl Eusebius von Liechtenstein (1611–1684). It was probably made around the occasion of his appointment as Governor of Bohemia on January 17, 1622.
Halberds like this one became purely ceremonial arms carried by bodyguards. Their makers exploited the broad surfaces of the blade, creating fanciful, graphic shapes, and covered them with beautiful decoration and the personal mottos and coats of arms of their owners. The long staffs were often embellished with vibrant fabrics and tassels. This meant that they could be used not only to keep threats at a distance, but also to create an imposing presence when carried upright by a large group of bodyguards.
Halberds like this one became purely ceremonial arms carried by bodyguards. Their makers exploited the broad surfaces of the blade, creating fanciful, graphic shapes, and covered them with beautiful decoration and the personal mottos and coats of arms of their owners. The long staffs were often embellished with vibrant fabrics and tassels. This meant that they could be used not only to keep threats at a distance, but also to create an imposing presence when carried upright by a large group of bodyguards.
Provenance
1622/1623 - 1926
State Guard of Prince Karl Eusebius of Liechtenstein (1611-1684), Castle Vaduz, Liechtenstein [1]
1926 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased at auction of the Liechtenstein collection, "European Arms and Armor Mainly XV, XVI, & XVII Centuries, Including Artistic and Rare Specimens from Princely Provenience," American Art Association, New York, NY, November 19-20, 1926, lot no. 294 [2]
Notes:
[1] According to scholar Stuart Pyhrr, the brass plaque on halberd's shaft bears a number 1860, an inscription used to designate an invoice number of the Liechtenstein collection at the Vaduz Castle [SLAM document files].
[2] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, December 10, 1926.
State Guard of Prince Karl Eusebius of Liechtenstein (1611-1684), Castle Vaduz, Liechtenstein [1]
1926 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased at auction of the Liechtenstein collection, "European Arms and Armor Mainly XV, XVI, & XVII Centuries, Including Artistic and Rare Specimens from Princely Provenience," American Art Association, New York, NY, November 19-20, 1926, lot no. 294 [2]
Notes:
[1] According to scholar Stuart Pyhrr, the brass plaque on halberd's shaft bears a number 1860, an inscription used to designate an invoice number of the Liechtenstein collection at the Vaduz Castle [SLAM document files].
[2] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, December 10, 1926.
We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.