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Pollaxe Collection

The pollaxe, also known as the poleax, is a weapon that originated in Western Europe during the late 15th to early 16th centuries

Background imagePollaxe Collection: Poleax, Western Europe, c. 1470—c. 1520. Creator: Unknown

Poleax, Western Europe, c. 1470—c. 1520. Creator: Unknown
Poleax, Western Europe, c.1470--c.1520

Background imagePollaxe Collection: Mordaxt, Switzerland, 1600-30. Creator: Unknown

Mordaxt, Switzerland, 1600-30. Creator: Unknown
Mordaxt, Switzerland, 1600-30

Background imagePollaxe Collection: Poleaxe, Switzerland, 1500. Creator: Unknown

Poleaxe, Switzerland, 1500. Creator: Unknown
Poleaxe, Switzerland, 1500

Background imagePollaxe Collection: Poleax, Italy, c. 1470—c. 1520. Creator: Unknown

Poleax, Italy, c. 1470—c. 1520. Creator: Unknown
Poleax, Italy, c.1470--c.1520

Background imagePollaxe Collection: Poleaxe, Venice, 1500 / 10. Creator: Unknown

Poleaxe, Venice, 1500 / 10. Creator: Unknown
Poleaxe, Venice, 1500/10

Background imagePollaxe Collection: Drill with Tilted Pikes, 1634 / 1635. Creator: Jacques Callot

Drill with Tilted Pikes, 1634 / 1635. Creator: Jacques Callot
Drill with Tilted Pikes, 1634/1635

Background imagePollaxe Collection: Drill with Raised Pikes, 1634 / 1635. Creator: Jacques Callot

Drill with Raised Pikes, 1634 / 1635. Creator: Jacques Callot
Drill with Raised Pikes, 1634/1635

Background imagePollaxe Collection: Saint Matthias, published 1631. Creator: Jacques Callot

Saint Matthias, published 1631. Creator: Jacques Callot
Saint Matthias, published 1631

Background imagePollaxe Collection: Drill with Halberds, 1634 / 1635. Creator: Jacques Callot

Drill with Halberds, 1634 / 1635. Creator: Jacques Callot
Drill with Halberds, 1634/1635

Background imagePollaxe Collection: Illustration of soldiers on horseback with pollaxes, archers with longbows and cross bows

Illustration of soldiers on horseback with pollaxes, archers with longbows and cross bows and dead soldier on ground during the Hundred Years War

Background imagePollaxe Collection: The Queen in her Litter, from The Progresses of Queen Elizabeth 1 (ink

The Queen in her Litter, from The Progresses of Queen Elizabeth 1 (ink
XCF285132 The Queen in her Litter, from The Progresses of Queen Elizabeth 1 (ink on paper) by English School; Private Collection; (add.info.: Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603); ); English

Background imagePollaxe Collection: The Queen in her Litter, from The Progresses of Queen Elizabeth 1 1788

The Queen in her Litter, from The Progresses of Queen Elizabeth 1 1788
XJF283120 The Queen in her Litter, from The Progresses of Queen Elizabeth 1 1788, by John Nichols (engraving) (b/w photo) by English School; Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imagePollaxe Collection: Combat with Pollaxe

Combat with Pollaxe; Fiore Furlan dei Liberi da Premariacco, Italian, about 1340/1350 - before 1450; about 1410; Tempera colors, gold leaf, silver leaf


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The pollaxe, also known as the poleax, is a weapon that originated in Western Europe during the late 15th to early 16th centuries. Its exact creator remains unknown, but it was widely used during this time period. One notable example of the the Mordaxt from Switzerland, created around 1600-30. This particular weapon showcases the craftsmanship and skill of its unknown creator. Another Swiss creation is a poleaxe dating back to 1500. Like many other examples, its creator remains anonymous, yet their work has left a lasting impact on history. Italy also had its own version of the pollaxe during this era. Created between c. 1470 and c. 1520 by an unknown artisan, it represents Italy's contribution to weaponry design. Venice too had its unique take on the poleaxe with one created in 1500/10 by an unidentified craftsman. The intricacies of this piece demonstrate both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Jacques Callot's works provide insight into how these weapons were utilized in battle formations during his time period. His pieces such as "Drill with Tilted Pikes" and "Drill with Raised Pikes, " both from 1634/35, showcase different techniques employed by soldiers using these weapons. Callot's depiction of Saint Matthias published in 1631 further illustrates how important these weapons were in historical contexts beyond warfare alone. Switzerland once again makes an appearance with another poleaxe from around 1500 crafted by an anonymous artist - a testament to their expertise in weapon production at that time. The pollaxe or poleax was a prominent weapon across Western Europe between c. 1470 and c. 1520; however, specific creators remain largely unknown today despite their significant contributions to military history.