Large spearhead, armourer Maffio da Pistoia, heavy infantry, Pisa 16th-17th century

A large, hand-forged, wrought-iron spearhead, crafted in Pistoia (Tuscany-Italy) by the Faber Armorum "Maffio da Pistoia" between the late 16th and early 17th centuries for use by Pisan heavy infantry. In addition to the hallmarks consisting of three small sickles clearly attributable to the gunsmith "Maffio da Pistoia," the spearhead bears the Pomettata Cross, the emblem of the city of Pisa. This indicates that this weapon was used by regular military troops defending the city or in co-belligerence with the Florentine troops, as the city of Pisa was part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany under the control of the Medici family.

This spear, triangular in shape with a double-edged blade and a reinforcing midrib on one side, has a "cannon"-type socket to which a sturdy ash or dogwood shaft measuring 3 to 5 meters or more in length was attached.

It was part of the equipment used by the Pisan heavy infantry, consisting of troops of dismounted soldiers equipped with impact or thrusting weapons, such as pikes, lances, and swords. They were tasked with fighting in close formations, where the length of these weapons allowed them to keep the enemy at a distance and block cavalry charges during pitched battles.

Although less celebrated than cavalry, heavy infantry was crucial in such engagements, gaining importance in the second half of the 16th century with the rise of pikemen and arquebusier formations, which contributed to the "infantry revolution" and made these units vastly more influential than heavy cavalry. Nonetheless, it cannot be ruled out that this lance may have also been used in the "Gioco del Ponte," which also featured combat with weapons of this type.

Length of the spear tip: over 50 cm.

Excellent condition.