Swordstaff

Paul Dolnstein's sketch of a Swedish militiaman (left) using a swordstaff in combat with a landsknecht (right).
Han dynasty sha (swordstaff), modern recreation of the classic version of the swordstaff "sha" from the Han dynasty era

A swordstaff (svärdstav) is a Scandinavian polearm, used in the Middle Ages. It is made by placing a blade at the end of a staff.[citation needed]

Evidence of the weapon in use at the battle of Elfsborg (Alvesborg) in 1502 is provided by Paul Dolnstein,[1] a landsknecht mercenary who fought in the battle, who refers to the Swedes carrying "good pikes made from swords". He also provides sketches of the weapon.[2]

Although Dolstein believed the weapon was made from swords, there is no independent confirmation of this.[citation needed]

  1. ^ Hodnet, Andrew Arthur (2018). The Othering of the Landsknechte (PDF) (MA thesis). North Carolina State University.
  2. ^ Richards, John (2002). Landsknecht Soldier 1486–1560. Warrior, No. 49. Osprey. pp. 51–52.: media:dolstein 2.gif