Antique 16th Century European Boar Spear Pike

Antique 16th-century European large boar spear-pike head, exceptionally well made of hand-forged steel, with a broad leaf-shaped blade with a strongly pronounced medial ridge on each side, extending down a tapered tubular socket and struck with the maker's mark on one side and pierced with two holes for the pins to be fastened to the wooden pole.

The term "boar spear" denotes a polearm with a wide, leaf-shaped blade with a prominent ridge running down the center. This type of spear was commonly used from the Middle Ages until the late 16th century as a hunting weapon for killing large animals such as wild boars and bears. German and Swiss foot soldiers, including the famous Landsknechts, also used it as a combat polearm.

Some of the spears were equipped with simple crossbars made of antler, bone, or iron. These crossbars were attached under the head to the shaft using rope, leather straps, or wire to limit excessive penetration.

In the 17th century, firearms became the preferred weapons for combat and hunting, which led to the abandonment of boar spears as actual weapons. Instead, they were used as parade processional staff weapons, along with parade halberds and partisans. These spears were explicitly made for parades, with a light and hollow construction and decorative engravings on the surface. In contrast, this particular spear is heavy and massive.

This spearhead is an exceptional combat weapon that can easily penetrate chainmail, brigandine, or light steel armor.

CONDITION: shows age and use, slightly pitted, however in good condition, considering its age to be over 350 years.

MEASUREMENTS:

The overall length of the steelhead with the socket: 36 cm (14.17 inches).

WEIGHT: 1.386 Kg. (3.06 pounds)

To view photos of 16th-century warriors armed with similar spears, please see the last two pictures in the listing.