Halberd of Archduke Ernst of Austria (1553–1605)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Halberd of Archduke Ernst of Austria, by an unknown artist. Metal pole weapon with a long, thin pointed top, resembling a spearhead; long shaft; axe-like protrusions on sides near bottom; decorative elements on shaft and axe-like protrusions; tassel hanging from bottom. The weapon has a long, thin, pointed metal top, likely made of steel or iron, with a sharp tip. The shaft of the weapon appears to be made of a dark material, possibly wood. The axe-like protrusions on either side are curved and pointed. The decorative elements include engravings or etchings on the shaft and axe-like protrusions. The tassel hanging from the bottom is made of many thin strands of material. The background of the image is light-colored, possibly gray or white.