Trabant's halberds

Upper Austria (?), late 16th century

Foto: UMJ/N. Lackner

Before the advent of firearms, edged weapons and staff weapons dominated warfare during this era. For a long time, staff weapons such as halberds, pikes and morning stars were the chief weapons used by foot soldiers, while the equestrians preferred edged weapons such as swords and sabres. As their penetration force increased, guns gradually replaced staff weapons on the battlefield, yet staff weapons remained in use as symbolic items of prestige—as guard weapons, for example.

The intricate etched decorations on these staff weapons are an indication of their users’ standing. The first step in the etching process is to cover the iron surface with an acid-resistant material such as wax. An etching needle is then used to scratch out the desired image, which then has acid washed over it. Once the acid-resistant layer has been removed, the design is then blackened.

Collection



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Permanent Collection

Styrian Armoury

Living History

Styrian Armoury

Das Landeszeughaus gilt als die größte erhaltene historische Waffenkammer der Welt. Gewinnen Sie einen unmittelbaren Eindruck von den rund 32.000 Objekte aus dem 15. bis 18. Jahrhundert!

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Styrian Armoury

Herrengasse 16
8010 Graz, Österreich
T +43-316/8017-9810
zeughaus@museum-joanneum.at

 

Opening Hours


Admission only with guided tour:
1  November 2022 to 31 March 2023 Tue-Sun, public holidays

Admission without a guided tour (brochure):
1 April 2023 to 31 October 2023 Tue-Sun, public holidays 10am - 6pm

Guided Tours
Please visit our calendar.
Guided tours on advance notice.
Due to the current Covid regulations, the number of participants is limited.

 

10th April 2023 (

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1st May 2023
29th May 2023

17th September 2023
24th/25th December 2023