online Militaria dealer - Antique-Militaria [UK]
magnify icon Search militaria Medals - Arms - Militaria
Home icon Antique Militaria Home for the SEs and the curious Site map People shaking hands icon Historic comments
Title Runka or Ranseur (polearm)
Nationality Italian
Period c 1525
Sold

This classic Italian (almost certainly made in the Veneto, Venice's hinterland) infantry polearm saw continuous use from the late 15th to early 17th century. Stone's Glossary shows five examples from the Metropolitan Museum. The Palazzo Ducale armoury in Venice has four. This is an earlier variant, the later ones having shorter blades.

This would have been carried, latterly, by palace guards and such like, but, in the earlier period, was used as a regular combat weapon, hence the surprisingly stout nature of the central blade, made very much in the manner of the sword blades of the period, ie of a heavy diamond section, sharply tapered.

It would have been mounted on an ash shaft with iron side straps. It is 67cm long and measures 21cm from tip to tip of the side guard. There is an old brazing repair at the base of the socket. It has suffered a little overcleaning on the side guards, but is generally in excellent shape for its age.

Of the two photos of the inside of the socket, one was taken with an ordinary torch shining down it (orange glow), while the other was taken with a small, rather ineffective LED light.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Edged Weapons : Polearms : Italian : 16th Century]

testimonials

[From a vendor, rather than a buyer]

I'm delighted that you are happy with the badge and I hope you can sell it to someone who will value owning it.

I tried to sell it on eBay but they won't accept Nazi items. I then contacted several dealers via a Google search who mostly offered me £40-£50 after some haggling. Most of the other dealers tried to conceal its true value in their replies and also lacked manners which doesn't inspire confidence.

Ultimately it's about trust. I should think that most prospective sellers have done their own research and therefore know roughly what their item is worth. You were the only dealer who had the integrity to concede that my valuation was approximately correct and I respect your comment that you can't offer this as you need to make a profit. Your honest approach is greatly appreciated and I felt comfortable taking the risk in sending it to you.

Thank you for a smooth transaction

C D, UK, 01.07.2015

Buckles have arrived. They are very beautiful! I'm glad and satisfied. Thank you for your quick and accurate business and all the best for the future.

C K, Finland, 07.05.2014

more...