Mace

Culturehilt Southern Indian

Culture, later modified with Northern Indian components

Date1600s-1700s

Mediumsteel

Dimensions74.9 cm (29 1/2 in.), 3 lb, 8 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.317

Description"Hindu basket hilt" of military type with wide flat crossguard extending upwards & tapering to form knuckle guard. Hole on upper rear of hilt for lanyard or tassel. Lozenge-section grip swollen at mid-height with wide flat discoid pommel with mushroom-shaped button. Reinforcing rib under crossguard tapering towards head in arrow-shaped langets on squared section of shaft ending with knurl section. Shaft continues in octagonal section tapering to flanged, pear-shaped head with 7 blades, brazed in place, with a turned finial at end.

Hilt appears to be made for a mace, but perhaps a working-life marriage with the shaft and head.ProvenancePurchased by the Museum on March 6, 1931 from York Galleries, Theo. Offerman, NYC.
Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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