Apr 20, 2020
Oct 22, 2010

Partisan

Partisan

1600s

Steel, gilt, etched and chiselled

Overall: 209.5 cm (82 1/2 in.); Blade: 32.4 cm (12 3/4 in.)

Weight: 1.14 kg (2.51 lbs.)

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.33

Did you know?

A partisan is a type of polearm that consisted of a spearhead mounted on a long shaft, usually wooden, with protrusions on the sides which aided in parrying sword thrusts.

Description

The partisan, a staff weapon with a symmetrical head, was carried by infantry officers and members of princely bodyguards during the 1600s and 1700s. The large flat surface of the partisan was perfect for displaying coats of arms and with the addition of colorful velvet tassels, was a favored weapon of palace guards who would be splendidly outfitted.

See also

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email [email protected].

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.