Pikestaff Collection

The Man-At-Arms, after J.L.E. Meissonier, 1857, c1880-83. Creator: C.H Toussaint
The Man-At-Arms, after J.L.E. Meissonier'. 1857. From "Modern Artists" by F.G.Dumas. [J.S.Virtue & Co Ltd, London, c1880]

Landsknechts from the 16th century, 19th century. Artist: Ludwig Burger
Landsknechts from the 16th century, 19th century. Landsknechts were European, most often German, mercenary pikemen and supporting foot soldiers from the late 15th to the late 16th centuries

Watchmen of the 17th century (engraving)
614416 Watchmen of the 17th century (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Watchmen of the 17th century.); Look and Learn / Peter Jackson Collection; English

Playing card: Jack of Diamonds (colour litho)
DHS212781 Playing card: Jack of Diamonds (colour litho) by American School, (19th century); Dallas Historical Society, Texas

The Guard Room (oil on canvas)
AGN217493 The Guard Room (oil on canvas) by Teniers, David the Elder (1582-1649); 30.5x41.2 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: the Liberation of Saint Peter;); Photo © Agnew's

Playing card: Jack of Hearts (colour litho)
DHS212782 Playing card: Jack of Hearts (colour litho) by American School, (19th century); Dallas Historical Society, Texas

Spear of the guard of King Louis XIV (1638-1715) of France (steel & gold set in wood)
CZA228788 Spear of the guard of King Louis XIV (1638-1715) of France (steel & gold set in wood) by Polish School, (17th century); Czartoryski Museum, Cracow, Poland; Polish, out of copyright

Orlando, costume design for Shakespeares "As You Like It", produced by R
SC36473 Orlando, costume design for Shakespeares " As You Like It", produced by R. Courtneidge at the Princes Theatre, Manchester by Wilhelm, C

French noblemen and women, a yeomen of the guard, and a gentleman, 15th century (1849)
French noblemen and women, a yeomen of the guard and a gentleman, 15th century (1849). The image of the yeoman comes from a tapestry in the Church of St Paterne a Orleans

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A pikestaff is a long wooden pole with a pointed metal tip, traditionally used as a weapon in battle. It was commonly wielded by foot soldiers and guards to defend themselves against enemies. The pikestaff's length gave the user an advantage in combat, allowing them to keep their opponents at a distance while delivering powerful thrusts. In addition to its use as a weapon, the it also had practical applications outside of warfare. It could be used for support while walking or hiking, especially on rough terrain. Farmers often used pikestaffs to help guide livestock or clear obstacles in their fields. The design of the pikestaff evolved over time, with different cultures developing variations that suited their specific needs. Some were adorned with decorative elements or inscriptions, serving as symbols of status or allegiance. Today, the pikestaff may no longer be a common sight on the battlefield, but its legacy lives on in historical reenactments and ceremonial events. Its enduring presence serves as a reminder of humanity's long history of conflict and innovation in weaponry.