Cleveland Museum of Art

Bill

Date

c. 1480

Medium

steel, wood haft

Culture

Italy, 15th century

Department

Medieval Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

This weapon known as the "bill" was developed from an agricultural tool and was one of the first staff weapons to be used by medieval infantries. Used throughout Western Europe, it was particularly popular in Italy and England where it served as an equivalent to the Central European halberd. Fitted with a pronounced hook whose inside and outside curves were cutting edges, it was topped by a long spike. With its long shaft, the bill was useful for reaching mounted men, and a military version soon emerged.

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