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A rare officer’s halberd with a wooden shaft and a forged st…
See original version (French)
1
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A rare officer’s halberd with a wooden shaft and a forged st…
See original version (French)
Estimate €2,000 - €3,000
Voluntary lot
Description
A rare officer’s halberd with a wooden shaft and a forged steel blade,
featuring a prominent central rib engraved with a Russian imperial eagle, centred on the coat of arms of St George against a background ofa Maltese Cross and surmounting the Cyrillic initials ‘LGSP’, most likely standing for Лейб-гвардии Семёновский полк (Semenovsky Regiment of the Imperial Guard), with a double curved quillon and its conical steel ferrule. Slight wear.
Russia, reign of Paul I, circa 1798–1800.
H. 220 cm.
History
The esponton first appeared in European armies in the 16th century, serving as a distinctive mark of officers and non-commissioned officers. Spontons played an important role as reference points for infantrymen lined up in long columns during combat training and on the battlefield, serving as a symbol of the commander’s authority over his subordinates – a weapon of prestige. Used in Russia between 1730 and 1807, and highly favoured by Paul I, who was influenced by the Prussian military school, spontons formed part of the full parade uniform of senior officers (except adjutants) in grenadier and musketeer regiments, garrison battalions and regiments, infantry regiments, the Guards and cadet corps.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
About the sale
Russian Art – Mr G’s Collection – Part 2
Auction location
Auction time
09/17/2026 at 1:30 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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