Large Engraved Partisan, 16th Century

This large partisan is interesting for its size and its beautiful etched decoration, unfortunately partially worn. It is probably from French or Italian origin and can be dated to the first half of the 16th century.
The point is double-edged, with a strong central ridge. At its base, it terminates in two upward-curving "horns." The socket is conical and shows two remnants of splints. It is pierced at its base with a square hole on one side and a circular one on the other, through which passed the rivet securing it to the shaft.
The decoration, clearly visible on one side and considerably more worn on the other, depicts monstrous heads within circular interlacing patterns, in a style typical of the early 16th century. From bottom to top: Chimeras with open mouths looking outwards, grimacing chimeras looking inwards, and winged griffins shown facing forward.
Length of the tip alone = 55 cm, tip and socket excluding the splints = 68 cm, width at the horns 14 cm.

A beautiful object that takes us back to the time of "King Francis I," the winner of Marignano, immortalized by Clément Janequin's song…
Shipping costs France = €30, Europe €40.
Ref AXW-2632