art-of-swords:

Halberd of the Guard of Emperor Maximilian II

• Makers: Hans Stromai of Augsburg 
• Dated: 1571
• Medium: steel, copper alloy; wooden staff and fabric are replacements
• Measurements: 90 1/2 in. (229.9 cm)
• Place of Origin: Augsburg, Germany 

The blade is etched with plant designs surrounding the crowned double-headed eagle of the Holy Roman Empire, the collar of the Order of the Golden Fleece (a military order established by the dukes of Burgundy, revered ancestors of the Habsburgs), and the Latin motto “The Lord will provide.” This halberd is one of those produced for members of the imperial bodyguard on the occasion of the wedding of Archduke Karl II of Austria (brother of Emperor Maximilian II and uncle of Archduke Albert).

Source & Copyright: The Walters Art Museum