Halberd head. It has a broad axe-like blade and a down turned fluke at the base. Both are decorated with pierced designs consisting of circles, pear shapes and a trefoil. It is surmounted by a long square sectioned spike and has langets to secure it to the stave. Halberds were used in warfare, combat-training and for parade and ceremonial purposes. In 1513, the Florentine merchant Leonardo Frescobaldi supplied Henry VIII's guards with Italian halberds engraved with the royal arms.
