Halberd with the Arms of William V, Duke of Bavaria
Unknown Artist
dated 1582
Medium
Steel, wood (ash), gold, textile, metallic thread
Dimensions
L. 86 1/2 in. (219.7 cm); L. of head 19 3/4 in. (50.2 cm); W. 8 3/4 in. (22.3 cm); Wt. 5 lbs. 1 oz. (2300 g)
Classification
Shafted Weapons
Culture
German
Department
Arms and Armor
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Bashford Dean, in memory of Alexander McMillan Welch, 1949
Accession Number
49.120.14
Art Historical Context
This imposing halberd, dated 1582, bears the heraldic arms of William V, Duke of Bavaria (r. 1579–1597), marking it as a prestigious weapon likely crafted for a high-ranking noble or his guard. Standing over 7 feet tall (86½ inches) and weighing a hefty 5 pounds, its steel head features a razor-sharp axe blade, thrusting spike, and rear hook, mounted on an ash wood shaft in textile and metallic thread for grip and durability. Gilded elements highlight the engraved coat of arms, blending lethal functionality with opulent decoration typical of German arms from the late Renaissance. In 16th-cent...