Halberd of the Bodyguard of Philip II, Margrave of Baden-Baden (1559–1588)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Halberd of the Bodyguard of Philip II, Margrave of Baden-Baden (1559–1588) by an unknown artist. Long silver metal blade with engraving along its entire length. The blade tapers to a point at the tip. A short section of the blade near the base has a slight horizontal protrusion on either side. Attached to the blade is a metal shaft with ornate details. A decorative metal spike protrudes from the base of the blade. The shaft splits into two curved protrusions; one extends downwards and one extends upwards in a semi-circular shape resembling a crescent moon. The entire piece exhibits silver color with areas of tarnish. The background is grey.