Ceremonial halberd

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A halberd was a combination spear and battle-axe used in the 15th and 16th centuries. This ceremonial example, dating from the late 17th century, is of the Fleshers' Craft in Selkirk in the Borders. 'Flesher' was the Scottish term for butcher.

Flesher's halberd of Selkirk

In the early 18th century the trades societies protected member's rights, maintained quality and were involved in burgh government. In the 18th and 19th centuries, as industrialisation took over, the role of the trades societies became mainly ceremonial.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-000-785-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.LE 90
• Date: Late 17th century
  
• Material: Halberd
  
• Dimensions: 2324 mm L
  
• What: Halberd
  
• Subject: Long shafted weapons (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Forsyth, flesher; Selkirk
  
• Where: Scotland, Selkirkshire, Selkirk
  
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