AN EARLY COLONIAL PERIOD FRENCH MILITARY PARTISAN, ca. 1650: In overall good+ /very good, dark and untouched condition. Hand-forged, 18 1/2 x 5 1/4\", dark & pitted, hand forged, steel head of typical mid 17th century French Partisan design, having nicely sculpted \"wing\" type external flanges (one chipped), a deeply fullered spear-type body/blade of elongated Partisan form and made with a reinforced tapered Armor-piercing tip (chipped). A finely crafted integral socket with a faceted and tapered open socket-eye with a decoratively fashioned & pierced upper collar, en suite. Of fine quality workmanship and a well-made French Polearm blade. Mounted on later (20th century) light-colored, faceted, hardwood shaft and adorned with decorative crimson colored braided tassels. The haft with various light handling marks, scuffs and a light age-patina overall. In good+/very good condition with various signs of use, wear and exposure. The unmarked blade with dark and evenly toned pitted and discolored steel surfaces. Generally sharp contours and edges with the noted chips, pitting and minor losses. Some expected minor surface-irregularities and abrasions. The haft with sharp contours, minor scuffs, light abrasions and handling marks. A very nice example of a classic Early Colonial Period French Military Partisan, ca. 1650. Overall length, 78\". For similar examples please see Harold L. Peterson\'s: \"Arms & Armor in Colonial America\".
