Property from a Central European Collection A RARE ITALIAN HALBERD, EARLY 17TH CENTURY, PROBABLY VENETIAN with broad central blade engraved with foliage (rubbed), cut with a cusped pattern and fitted beneath with a broad steel collar formed of six vertical loops each interrupted by a chiselled mask, forward leaning axe-blade pierced and engraved with designs of foliage and stylised monsterheads, fitted with a bronze warrior mask on each face, triangular rear fluke pierced and engraved en suite and fitted with a pair of matching bronze masks, fitted with later spiked transverse bolt, a pair of straps (restored), on a later wooden haft 78.5cm; 30 7/8 in head Provenance Sold in this room, 7th December 2006, lot 214 Another halberd from this distinctive group was sold in this room, 28th June 2006, lot 347.