art-of-swords:Italian LinstockDated: 17th CenturyPlace of Origin: North ItalyMeasurements: height 81
art-of-swords:Italian LinstockDated: 17th CenturyPlace of Origin: North ItalyMeasurements: height 81 cmThe polearm has a leaf-shaped cusp, pierced at the centre, ribbed at the tip and lateral fuller and floral engravings. The fretwork base comes with effigy of a bust chiselled at the centre, resting on large arches ending in the shape of elephant head. The knot is decorated with six small arches depicting faces. The weapons has a conical socket with flattened straps and a shortened, cylindrical wooden haft.Sidenotes:A linstock (also called a lintstock) is a staff with a fork at one end to hold a lighted slow match. The name was adapted from the Dutch lontstok, “match stick”.Linstocks were used for discharging cannons in the early days of artillery; the linstock allowed the gunner to stand further from the cannon[2] as it was dangerous applying the lighted match to the touch hole at the breech of the gun.Like most early modern military equipment the linstock had a second function; 16th century examples had measurements in inches and a protractor engraved on the blade to allow the gun captain to check the angle.Source: Copyright © 2013 Czerny’s International Auction House S.R.L. -- source link