War Hammer
Like the mace, the war hammer became an important knightly weapon after the introduction of full plate armor. Its armor-breaking qualities are indicated by its heavy four-pronged hammer head and rear spike, the bec-de-corbin. For good measure a sharp stabbing spike has been added. In a way comparable to the symbolic use of the mace, the war hammer became an insignia of rank of lower-ranking cavalry officers. Long-shafted war hammers were popular with Swiss infantry, where the so-called Lucerne hammer replaced the ubiquitious halberd in some cantons.
Artwork Details
- Title: War Hammer
- Date: ca. 1450
- Culture: French
- Medium: Steel, latten, wood
- Dimensions: L. 25 3/4 in. (65.5 cm); Wt. 3 lb. 4 oz. (1474.2 g)
- Classification: Shafted Weapons
- Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1904
- Object Number: 04.3.49
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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French
ca. 1555
French
ca. 1550
Jean Cousin the Elder
Baptiste Pellerin
ca. 1555
Kunz Lochner
dated 1549
German
mid-16th century
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