Bidspirit auction | RARE 17TH–18TH C. FIGURAL HUNTING

RARE 17TH–18TH C. FIGURAL HUNTING SPEAR POLEARM, ”P.F.” MARKED - Probably Continental European, 17th–18th century. An unusual and highly decorative antique hunting spear or polearm featuring a long, double-edged leaf-shaped steel blade with a pronounced medial ridge. The blade is stamped near the base with the initials ”P.F.” presumably representing a maker's, workshop, or ownership mark, presently unidentified. Additional small punched or stamped devices appear around the lower portion of the socket. The junction between the blade and socket is exceptionally formed as a fully modeled zoomorphic animal head, with pronounced muzzle, nostrils, individually delineated teeth, ears, and dark inset eyes. The precise animal represented is uncertain, possibly a hound or other hunting beast. The sculptural head continues into a long faceted and longitudinally fluted steel socket terminating in a finely reeded collar. Mounted on a substantial dark wooden haft exhibiting considerable age and patination. The elaborate figural construction and finely worked socket distinguish the piece from the more utilitarian forms of European hunting spear and suggest a weapon produced with considerable attention to both function and appearance. The overall form relates to the European tradition of heavy hunting spears employed for dangerous game, including wild boar and bear. The reinforced, double-edged blade was designed for a powerful thrust and to withstand the stresses associated with close hunting encounters. While the weapon is probably Continental European, certain aspects of its elaborate zoomorphic decoration invite comparison with Asian decorative traditions; a South or Southeast Asian origin or influence cannot be entirely excluded. The P.F. marking remains unidentified, and no specific maker or country attribution is presently established. Steel surfaces exhibit scattered oxidation, pitting, staining, scratches and wear consistent with considerable age and use. Wooden haft with old surface, wear and patination. Possibly retaining an early or period haft. An impressive and unusual 17th–18th century figural hunting spear or polearm, particularly notable for its sculptural animal-head mount, inset eyes, finely fluted socket, and P.F. maker or ownership mark. Total length: 83 3/8 ”, Blade length : 14”. For additional images please visit sofedesignauctions.com Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com ***All lots are sold as-is and where is. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalog or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. All sales are final, and SOFE AUCTIONS do not give refunds. SOFE AUCTIONS ARE PLEASED TO OFFER IN-HOUSE PACKAGING AND SHIPPING SERVICES. PACKAGING SERVICE ONLY: start at $25 and up depending on your item/s. Available IN-HOUSE shipping is within the USA of small, medium, semi-large, NON-FRAGILE items. PLEASE SELECT IN-HOUSE SHIPPING FOR FAST, PROFESSIONAL PACKING AND SHIPPING.SOFE WON'T ship items in glass frames, large fragile items or large sculptures. After paying for your item/s please call SOFE at 469-268-1177, or email us at info@sofedesignauctions.com to request a shipping quote. All item/s will be shipped via UPS or FedEx, FULLY insured, unless insurance declined in writing by the buyer. SOFE AUCTIONS do not use USPS. We do have a list of suggested third-party shippers. Please visit our webpage for a list of recommended shippers.