The Defensive Armour and the Weapons and Engines of War of Mediæval Times, and of the "Renaissance."

by R. Coltman Clephan

GISARME AND VOULGES.

The gisarme is a scythe-shaped weapon, fixed on a long shaft. It is double-edged, and provided with a hook and spurs. It is often mentioned in early chronicles of the thirteenth century, and is specially alluded to by Froissart in the next century. The voulge has a broad blade, pointed at the head, and is generally square at the edge. It was usually forged with two strong iron rings, through which the head of a pole is passed. This weapon was often carried by archers. The pageant voulge is shaped very like a Lochaber axe, with its curved, pointed, hook-like spear at the head of the shaft.