The round knob at the butt of the last polerarm is remarkably similar to the knobs used in ceremonial staffs and lantern staffs used during the 16-17-18th centuries in European courts. You can see some of these lantern staffs used by court servants in the movie The Favourite (2018). They seem to be design to avoid damage to the floor, even when knocking down with the staff. Perhaps that particular pollax was used as an indoor guard weapon?
In 1570, Giacomo di Grassi wrote that it was ideal to have a buttspike on a halberd: "for which consideration it should not dislike me, if for that purpose, there be fastned in the said blunt end, a strong and sharpe pike of iron". Notably, he recommended thrusting with the butt in that specific technique even if it was blunt. Later, in 1670, Johan Pascha's jägerstock had a blade on each end (as y'all have covered). I suspect some extant polearms previously had buttspikes but no longer do because of their hafts being replaced.
I poleaxe without a buttspike and a buttball means you grip the butt with extra reach and manuevers without the worry of stabbing your palm. Different techinques.
The good Dr. teaching the truth. I may make what some deem childish Butt remarks but in all seriousness, Thank You for sharing your time and knowledge.
If I was around back then and, God forbid, had to fight with a polearm, I would have gone with the cap. Knowing how clumsy I am that spike is going right into my foot. Great vid! I always wondered why the cap was on there. They were effective in their purpose, too, because we still have period examples of polearms in museums. I wonder how they figured that out. Most likely by breaking some early designs.
Is it possible some polearms had the likes of a root knot (like small shillelaghs) as an alternative to a butt-cap? I feel it could've been a cheaper alternative as it redirects the grain away from the ground, as well as having the balancing effect.
The round knob at the butt of the last polerarm is remarkably similar to the knobs used in ceremonial staffs and lantern staffs used during the 16-17-18th centuries in European courts. You can see some of these lantern staffs used by court servants in the movie The Favourite (2018). They seem to be design to avoid damage to the floor, even when knocking down with the staff. Perhaps that particular pollax was used as an indoor guard weapon?
I was going to say this. Also people used them for display. The axe blade was dulled and the spike was removed for safety reasons.
could be
In 1570, Giacomo di Grassi wrote that it was ideal to have a buttspike on a halberd: "for which consideration it should not dislike me, if for that purpose, there be fastned in the said blunt end, a strong and sharpe pike of iron". Notably, he recommended thrusting with the butt in that specific technique even if it was blunt. Later, in 1670, Johan Pascha's jägerstock had a blade on each end (as y'all have covered). I suspect some extant polearms previously had buttspikes but no longer do because of their hafts being replaced.
I poleaxe without a buttspike and a buttball means you grip the butt with extra reach and manuevers without the worry of stabbing your palm. Different techinques.
The good Dr. teaching the truth. I may make what some deem childish Butt remarks but in all seriousness, Thank You for sharing your time and knowledge.
If I was around back then and, God forbid, had to fight with a polearm, I would have gone with the cap. Knowing how clumsy I am that spike is going right into my foot. Great vid! I always wondered why the cap was on there. They were effective in their purpose, too, because we still have period examples of polearms in museums. I wonder how they figured that out. Most likely by breaking some early designs.
2:20 it makes your staff last longer 😅
Is it possible some polearms had the likes of a root knot (like small shillelaghs) as an alternative to a butt-cap? I feel it could've been a cheaper alternative as it redirects the grain away from the ground, as well as having the balancing effect.
Was it just ease of manufacture and materials for ferrules? I would think that a full cap that covers the end as well as the sides would be best
you can reinvent the Flemish goedendag for brutish combat by putting a butt spike on 1 end of the pole arm and a butt cap on the other side of it
Yay