pole-arm / Royal College of Surgeons, 1916

Pike used by a Volunteer, pre 1916. Found at the Royal College of Surgeons, 1916, after the surrender. Poker shaped blade, quadilateral in section, sharply pointed, altering shape to cylindrical where it joins shaft; held to shaft by cylindrical collar. The pike-head proper is itself socketted, but the internal diameter is increased by the collar which is welded to it and forms a prolongation of it. The shaft is pared to fit the collar and the latter is further secured to it by a bolt and nut. Punched on the poker-head is - "Thos. Wales & Sons/Sheffield" and "Warrented/Cast Steel". Dimensions: overall length of head, point to butt of collar - 1'1.3"; poker head, 6"; collar, 4". Shaft: Length 5'4.4"; diam. c.1.3".;