Ceremonial weapon / Tabarzin - 134 cm

The object at hand is most likely an Indo-Persian or Persian ceremonial polearm of the Tabarzin type, or a tabarzin-like double-moon battle-axe.

The form language shows clear features of Persian bzw. Qajar-era weapons aesthetics. Particularly characteristic are the symmetrical double-moon shape, the long central tip, the floral engravings, and the light, elegant overall construction.

The present measurements:
• Total length: approx. 134 cm
• Head width: approx. 33.5 cm
• Weight: approx. 1.33 kg

argue against a heavy European war halberd and point much more toward a representative or ceremonial Oriental polearm.

The construction displays a traditional forged socket with a visible forging seam. The metal surfaces exhibit authentic aging, oxidation, and indications of artisanal workmanship. The blades appear to be thinly forged and not industrially produced.

Particularly interesting are the floral engravings. These recall Persian arabesque and plant motifs as they were widespread in the Iranian / Indo-Persian sphere in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The textile wrappings of the shaft also look old and have been added to or restored multiple times. Such wrappings are commonly found on ethnographic weapons, guard weapons, or representative ceremonial objects.

The unusually low mass of the weapon fits very well with Persian / Indo-Persian Tabarzin-types, which were often constructed significantly lighter than European halberds.

Classification:
Ethnographic or ceremonial weapon with decorative-representative character

Collector relevance:
The object possesses an extraordinary presence and exhibits several features that argue against a modern tourist decorative replica. The combination of authentic patina, forged construction, engravings, proportions, and textile remnants makes the piece especially interesting for collectors of oriental weapons and ethnographic objects.