A bardiche (alternatively berdiche, long poleaxe), pronounced /bɑrˈdiːʃ/, is a type of polearm that was used in medieval and renaissance Europe, especially in Eastern Europe and Russia.
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Description
The blade varied greatly in shape, but was most often a long, cleaver type blade. The distinction was in how the blade was attached to the pole. the bardiche blade was attached to the pole either via two sockets (one at the top of the pole and one lower, at the base of the blade) or one socket at the top and one surface mount at the base, effectively mounting the heavy blade to the wooden shaft. This construction is also seen in Scottish polearms, such as the lochaber axe and Jeddart Staff, and Bardiches are known to have been imported into Scotland in the 16th.-17th. centuries[1] Depending on the design of the particular weapons in question, at times a bardiche may greatly resemble a voulge.
While the blade was often very long for an axe (usually exceeding 2 feet (60 cm)) the shaft was one of the shortest of all polearms; rarely did it exceed 5 feet (1.5 m) in length. It relied more on the weight of its heavy blade to do the damage than a swing from a long pole. This makes the bardiche more similar to the Danish axe, in some respects, than to a true polearm.
Use
In Russia and in Poland this weapon was used to rest handguns upon when firing. It was standard equipment for the Streltsy corps (foot, mounted and dragoons) and also for the Polish infantry.[citation needed]
External links
The Pitt Rivers Berdiche (catalogue reference 1884.21.53)[1]
References
- ^ Caldwell, David (1981). "Some Notes on Scottish Axes and Long Shafted Weapons". in Caldwell, David. Scottish Weapons and Fortifications 1100-1800. Edinburgh: John Donald. pp. 253–314. ISBN 0859760472.
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