Halberd of Christian I of Saxony (reigned 1586–91)

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

These halberds of characteristic shape, with elegantly S-shaped axe blade, long tapering spike with sharp mid-ridge, and fleur-de-lis shaped beak, were made for the Trabantenleibgarde (palace and bodyguard) of the Prince Elector Christian I of Saxony (1586–91). An especially elaborate specimen––apparently an officer's weapon––bears the name of the Elector Christian and the date 1588 and is preserved in the Historisches Museum Dresden, the former electoral arsenal.The entire surface of these halberd heads, including their conical sockets and the long side straps, is covered with etched scrollwork. On one side of the axe blade is an oval cartouche with the arms of the archmarshalship of the Holy Roman Empire, per fess, sable and argent, two swords gules in saltire overall, and on the other side the arms of the duchy of Saxony, barry of ten, or and sable, a crancelin vert in bend overall (i.e., horizontally striped of gold and black, with a green coronet diagonally across). The Trabantenleibgarde consisted of more than one hundred men, and since there are enough of these halberds to make them highly desirable collector's items, no important collection seems to be without at least one.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.

Metropolitan Museum of Art