Surprisingly, no-one had the right tool on hand…
http://users.wpi.edu/~virtualarmory/CollectionIQP/artifact.pl?anum=597
Accession Number: 597 Region: Germany or Austria Artifact Type: Boar spear with crossbar Date: about 1600 Materials: Steel; iron; restored wood Weight: 6 lb. 12 oz. Length: O.L. 82 1/2"; heal L. 16 3/4"The crossbar prevented a charging boar from impaling itself so far up the staff of the spear that it could reach the hunter.
Just for emphasis:
Length: O.L. 82 1/2"; heal L. 16 3/4"The crossbar prevented a charging boar from impaling itself so far up the staff of the spear that it could reach the hunter.
