Warhammer for Foot Combat

Culture Southern European

Dateabout 1440

Mediumiron and wood with copper inlay

Dimensions105.4 cm (41 1/2 in.), 4 lb, 8 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.165

DescriptionShortened staff of octagonal section. 2-piece head with cube-shaped central block serving as socket secured by tranverse bolt with heads of truncated conical form; short quadrangular thrusting tip above; 4-cleated hammerhead in front; heavy beak in back. Sides of head extend into short langets secured with pairs of large-headed bolts. Additional lighter langets in front and back secured by row of similar bolts. Copper inlay around hammer and beak in simple vinelike pattern. Decorative filemarks around the perimeter of the lateral faces of the central block.

There is some flattening of the prongs of the hammerhead, and noticeable marking on the haft near the likely position of the upper hand. The haft is very likely original: it fits the head well, and shows the organic contours that suggest hand tooling.
Label TextThis weapon is designed for armored combat. The thrusting tip is for attacking the gaps between the plates, the cleated face is for hammering at the glancing surfaces of knightly armor, and the heavy beak is for piercing the steel plates.ProvenancePurchased from Ian Eaves (London, England) on January 20, 2005. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, january 2014.

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