Linstock
Unknown Artist
c. 1600–25
Medium
steel; octagonal wood haft covered with green velvet, brass studs
Dimensions
l. 201 cm · blade: w. 25.2 cm, l. 37.7 cm
Classification
Arms and Armor
Department
Medieval Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance
Accession Number
1916.1786
About this artwork
This specialized staff weapon was used primarily to ignite the charge in pieces of artillery. The two lateral projections ending in eagles' heads are actually clips designed to hold the smoldering matches that allowed the firer to stand a little further from the cannon. The short, leaf-shaped blade allowed the linstock to be used as a weapon if necessary.