Macehead

Cultureperhaps Hungarian

Datelate 1300s–early 1400s

Mediumiron

Dimensions36.8 × 10.2 × 10.2 cm (14 1/2 × 4 × 4 in.), 2 lb 14 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.669

DescriptionCylindrical sleeve of iron rolled with seam up one side. Bottom edge has a slight turnover or lip, parts of which are now apparently lost due to losses at the metal's edge. Heavy head with 4 diamond-shaped side facets and smaller triangular edge facets, all slightly concave to present percussion points at the intersections. Of these the middle points are most acute, those at top and bottom somewhat more flattened. The cylinder slips inside the head, which is fastened with what is probably a solid cylinder of iron inserted into the sleeve as a plug and peened over the top of the head. The socket extends more or less as far as the head, so the plug is about the length of the head itself. The short grip has been lost.
ProvenanceFound in March 1867 by Mathew Schleisz, landowner in Mogyorod, while ploughing on the pasture on top of Mt. Rompa (or Kompa?), belonging to the late estate in Vacz. Purchased by John W. Higgins on September 28, 1929 from estate of Bashford Dean (Riverdale, NY). Given to the Museum on July 1, 1954. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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