Swedish halberdier from the reign of erik xiv by gabbanoche dajo0ot-fullview.jpg

Источник: https://www.deviantart.com/gabbanoche/art/Swedish-halberdier-from-the-reign-of-Erik-XIV-637695101

During the reign of Erik XIV of Sweden the Swedish military and naval forces went through a vast number of reforms. Perhaps the reforms of the infantry(and definitely the navy!) was among the most successful, the Battle of Axtorna e.g. Sadly many of Erik XIV's reforms came to an halt when he was deposed in 1568 by his brother Johan (III) the duke of Finland, who was less talented when it came to war. Thus, in short, the much needed reforms wasn't made until the reign of Gustaf II Adolf.

After the deposition, Erik XIV was jailed and isolated where he soon lost his mind and died in 1577 from Arsenic poisoning. During his captivity Erik XIV drew soldiers and landscapes in the few books he was allowed to have (which they eventually took from him as well) and these drawings of soldiers are some of the very few "descriptions" of the troops from the 1500's left. So i took it unto myself to illustrate at least one of the troops he drew. Namely the halberdier: i9.photobucket.com/albums/a89/…

I've been able to find some information about the halberdiers equipment, the so called Knektetyg. The Knektetyg was worn by both the halberdiers and the pikemen, making them the two heaviset units in the infantry of that time (followed by the Rodeleros and lastly the arquebusiers). The Knektetyg consists of the following: Stromhuva (Burgonet) Ringkrage (Gorget) Harnesk (Cuirass, front and back) Armpipor med puchlor (upper and lower cannon with Couter) Hugghandskar (Gauntlets) Lårskerfvor (Cuisses) Total weight around 15,3kg. Sadly we don't know the length or weight of the Halberd used by the Swedes. Knektetyg can loosely bee translated to soldier's/infantryman's equppment.

I can also add that it is debated whether the Swedish troops were dressed in Pluderhosen, some claim that the amount of fabric given to the troops were not enought also the expence of Pluderhosen is considered. It's belived they wore some sort of simpler breeches that would require less fabric. Also the Closed Burgonet can be debated, after all it only says Burgonet but there is one depiction of a Pikeman that i chose to interpret as a Closed Burgonet and as i pointed out both the Halberdier and the Pikeman wore Knektetyg.