pole-arm / Royal College of Surgeons, 1916

Pike used by a Volunteer, pre 1916. This and the four items following are said by Professor W.N. Rae to have been left behind in the Royal College of Surgeons on the surrender. Long flat blade, swelling to centre, but with no midrib, with bridle-cutting attachment, hooked, projecting 4.52 and edged on both sides. Split tang attachment, fixed to shaft by three bolts with nuts. Stamped, between tangs and bridle-cutter: REGISTERED/TYGWEN on one side and, on other: WHITEHOUSE CORNELIUS AND SONS. Fixed to pole, seemingly the original, c.6 feet long by 1.4" diam. Tang overlaps head of shaft, c.7.5". Overall length of pike-head, 29.25".;