Hello there guys, i am looking for decent reference pictures of NW european Halberds between 13-15th Century, any pictures at all of shapes, designs would be very highly welcome. I'm more looking for Halberds that would have been used by the rank and file, un-ornamented.

Also what are the shafts like, are they rounded octagonal or something all together different? What sort of cap for the bottom's were used? And how does the shaft attach to the head, pictures of all that as well would be wonderful. Anything at all would be muchly appreciated.

Waldman's Hafted Weapons in Medieval and Renaissance Europe is the best reference on the subject, and can answer all your questions. It's expensive, though. Oakeshott's European Weapons and Armour is a much cheaper alternative, though not as complete. This photo from the Wikipedia entry on the subject seems meant to show a rough evolution of the halberd:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Hallebardes-p1000544.jpg

The oldest form is at far left, and features the typical two "eyes" for mounting (the Scottish Lochaber axe is similar to these early forms). The weapon at far right is most likely derived from the partizan rather than the halberd, and I would question its inclusion here.

Hafts became more elaborate over time, with round or oval hafts early, becoming faceted (quad, hex,oct) and featuring langets by 1500. Halberd hafts typically were not shod.

There is more info and a scan in this thread: http://www.myArmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.php?t=6955

Enjoy!

Thanks guys, you've really helped whet my appetite. Out of curiousity can anyone tell me what years and regions those polearms in that picture of that museum are from? Also how exactly do the various attachment methods work? How are they secured?

Also would you be able to tell the difference between a 13-15th century halberd manufactured in France or Germany or England would head design have been notably different? Where certain designs common to a region or only common to an individual blacksmith?

This might help:

http://virtuatheque.free.fr/The%20Halberd%20a...learms.pdf

Danny