German War Hammer

Description of the Product

The proliferation of plate armor across Medieval Europe was shadowed by the development of crushing weapons like this war hammer. Since swords were virtually useless against plate armor, mounted knights used short hammers, axes and maces to defeat opponent's improved protection. While hammer-like weapons had been in use for centuries throughout the world, the medieval European war hammer was a very specific adaptation of the blunt, crushing war hammer design generally associated with the Norse deity Thor. The medieval war hammer was one of the few weapons with an edge that could both tear open armor plate as well as inflict devastating concussion blows. The war hammer usually had a beak-like blade opposite a faceted hammer, making it a combination of a mace and pick. The weight of the metal head concentrated on the sharp point of the beak after a full swing easily pierced both chain and plate mail. This beautiful, impressive weapon is replicated from an example in the German National Museum in Nuremberg. Steel head is secured to the hardwood shaft with steel languets. Brass tacks provide a more secure grip.

Overall 55cm
(21 ½”), head 2.5cm
x 13cm
(1” x 5”) and weight 0.9kg
(2 lbs). Made by Windlass Steelcrafts.