1710Thrusting and cutting weapon as standard equipment for night watchmen

The halberd, a hybrid of a striking and thrusting weapon, was originally a weapon of the infantry that emerged in the 14th century and was used until the 16th century. The derivation of the word from the Middle High German halm or helm for “handle” and barte for “axe” or “battle-axe” shows that the name originally meant “axe with a long handle.” In the 16th century, the term “night watchman’s spear” (Nachtwächterspieß) emerged for it in German cities, and in Alsfeld, it was used as such until the mid-19th century.

The duties of night watchmen as municipal employees were extremely diverse. They guarded all residents of the city during the night—the sleeping people as well as the many animals in the stables of the farming town. The singing out of the hours had to take place at a total of 38 different(!) locations throughout the town. For this purpose, the night watchman walked through the streets and alleys in the dark, ensured safety and order, and had the right to stop suspicious persons and, if necessary, take them to the guardhouse.

Since fire protection was also among their duties, the halberd made perfect sense: with the “axe” or “blade,” as well as the short hook, burning parts could be torn down, thereby preventing the development of fires in their early stages. (MNic)