Description
Medieval Boar Hunting Spearhead, approx. 50 cm
The so-called winged or lugged spear, which was mostly used as a thrusting weapon, is actually of Frankish Carolingian origin and continued to see service – as both war spear and hunting spear – well into the high Middle Ages. The wings or lugs on the sides were intended both to prevent over-penetration in a strike (which would have made it more difficult to pull the spear out) and to parry enemy blows in the melee.
As the name indicates, the boar spear (which appeared in many variations) was specifically designed for boar and big game hunting. The spearhead’s lateral wings were not only designed to stop it from penetrating too deeply into the quarry, but also offered the hunter an additional level of control and protection from an injured, frantic animal.
The large medieval boar spearhead we offer here is ideally suited for 8th/9th to 11th/12th c. settings. In terms of design, it strongly resembles the Carolingian winged spears commonly used by warriors and huntsmen in the early Middle Ages. Crafted from tempered EN45 high carbon steel, it is approx. 50 cm (19.75 in.) in length and features an impressively long, broad leaf-shaped blade that would have been able to inflict a deep and wide stab wound and kill a large animal in one single mighty blow. The protruding lugs placed just below the blade on either side of the socket are approx. 4 mm thick. Two pre-drilled holes allow it to be secured onto the wooden staff of your choice to create your own spear. The haft and additional mounting hardware are not included in the delivery.
Please note that this spearhead is primarily designed as a collectible, decoration piece or prop and by no means suited for combat re-enactment! The blade’s point is not rounded, and the edges are not sharpened, yet slightly ground (with suitable equipment and the necessary know-how and skills, they may be ground to sharpness if needed).
Details:
– Material: tempered EN45 spring steel (high carbon steel, not stainless)
– Overall length (incl. socket): approx. 50 cm
– Blade length: approx. 35 cm
– Max. blade width: approx. 6.5 cm
– Width at wings: approx. 11 cm
– Blade thickness: approx. 5 mm
– Length of socket: approx. 15 cm
– Inner diameter of socket: approx. 2.8 cm- Weight: approx. 880 g
Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece.
The steel used here is not rust-proof and might show slight surface tarnishing in places. We recommend you to maintain the spearhead on a regular basis, for example using Ballistol Universal Oil, which is ideally suited for steel care.
For more information about winged spears you can listen to Matt Easton o Schola Gladiatoria.
