An Ahlspiess.

An Ahlspiess (in English Awl Pike) was a thrusting spear developed and used in Germany as a duelling weapon in the 15th century. A typical ahlspiess was between about 1.8-2.5 m (six to eight feet) in length, and had a single thin prong. The shaft, designed for two-hand grip of an ahlspiess was usually 1 m (three feet) long, giving it good balance and allowing space to rest it on one's shoulder, which made it easy to carry. The shaft is usually also equipped with a circular metal plate. The weapon is not unlike a grotesque oversized bayonet fixed to a staff. Image File history File links Ahlspiess. ... (14th century - 15th century - 16th century - other centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 15th century was that century which lasted from 1401 to 1500. ... The US Marine Corps OKC-3S bayonet A bayonet is a knife- or dagger-shaped weapon designed to fit on or over the muzzle of a rifle or similar weapon. ...

Many foot soldiers bore an ahlspiess, as it was quite an efficient weapon. Against charging cavalry it could pierce even well-armoured riders, and against foot soldiers it could be used for normal thrusting. Soldiers additionally carried a sword, for the ahlspiess was not very manoeuverable in close-range combat (melee) in close formation. Swiss longsword, 15th or 16th century A sword (from Old English sweord; akin to Old High German swerd lit. ...