Halberd Made 1620-1650 Flanders. Compared with the rugged pole arms of the previous century, used to pull down horsemen, this halberd is more delicate. The ax-head is little more than a crescent shape, and the pierced fluke or hook is mostly ornamental. Still, the central point remains a functional blade. Military officers would have used halberds like this to lead and press their men into formation.. Steel, iron, and wood .