Engraved Italian Glaive, Victorian Period Copy

During the Gothic Revival of the second half of the 19th Century the demand for original antique weapons exceeded the supply, thus prompting the manufacture of numerous copies. The glaive was a distinctly Italian polearm, primarily for parade and ceremonial use. This piece, circa 1880, represents an Italian glaive of the 16th Century. Many of these copies were hand forged and closely resembled the originals. Now that they have genuine age and patina it is often difficult to differentiate between the copies and the originals. This example has a 21 1/2" flat steel double edged blade with curved point and concave back blade. Blade surface is etched with a floral decoration. The blade is attached to the hand forged ferrule and mounted on a round hardwood shaft with an appropriate gold tassel of the period. Uncleaned with a dark patina and some rust marking, it is actually darker than most originals, which likely would have been cleaned over the years. Length of metal parts 26 1/2". A great wall decoration for den or family room at a fraction of the price of an original.