Najstarsze okazy broni drzewcowej w zbiorach Muzeum Historycznego m. Krakowa

Abstract

FIFTEENTH CENTURY SHAFT WEAPONS

The halberds, dating from different periods of the fifteenth century, attract particular attention in the rich collection of shaft arms in the Cracow Historical Museum. The thansformations in the shape of the head, resulting from the changes which took place in the method of using halberd during this period, can be seen.
From a weapon initially used for chopping, it developed into a weapon used above all for stabbing. At first the changes occured in the head which, initially short and broad in shape, was transformed into an angular and increasingly elongated form. The axe lost its massive appearance and assumed a slanting form with an elongated edge, while the spike became more slender and was slightly bent backwards. This process resulted from using the halberd in the field as the main weapon of the infantry, which during the fifteenth century played an increasingly important part.
Besides halberds, other interesting types of shaft weapons widely used by infantry in the fifteenth century generally are also represented. There are two serpentine' lances (the so called Ahispiess) and one example of a winged spear which is interesting because it is even older than the specimens previously described. All the exhibits have as a rule legible armourers' marks, which increase the value of the collection.