hal=B7berd (h=B2l=93b=85rd, h=F4l=93-) also hal=B7bert (-b=85rt) --n. A we= apon of the
15th and 16th centuries having an axlike blade and a steel spike mounted on the end of a long shaft.
A bit off the usual subjects.
In a recent episode of Pawn Stars on History Channel two halerds were brought in for valuation. A remark was made that they looked genuine complete with the tassels just below the metal head end to keep rainwater and blood away from the wood shaft. In another episode of History Ch on ancient weapons the flickering of long red tassels on Chinese combat spears was explained as distracting the opponent's focus on the pointy end during combat.
I had always thought the tassel was for prettyfying these shaft weapons. Does anyone have an authoritative description on what the tassels are for?