2066 Medieval Mace

2066) SUPERB GERMAN/ITALIAN WAR MACE CIRCA 1550:

Introduction: War maces, axes, and war hammers are all heavy weapons held in hand, often with a two-handed grip. They were primarily used for crushing rather than slicing or stabbing. Blunt-force weapons became increasingly crucial as plate armor developed and swords could no longer penetrate it.

Discussion: As iron billets became more available, the mace evolved around 1320 to a whole-metal mace with vertical flanges on the head and a rounded grip with a pommel (see pages 369-371 in my book). During this period, the mace was used very heavily by the Italian “Cavalieri” mercenaries based in Milan, outside the reach of Papal rule.

The next major change in the mace is the Gothic mace, which evolved with cusping and piercings and followed Gothic art and architecture.  This was followed by Renaissance-period maces (see pages 366-371 in my book). Western European mace production substantially decreased after 1600, except for Central Europe (mainly Hungary and Poland), where they were still actively used from horseback.

Description: Constructed entirely of iron with a head of seven cusped brazed flanges, The head terminates in a baluster finial, a slightly tapering brazed tubular haft with some war “dings”, a grip of circular section, with a pattern of deeply cut spiral lines, swelling to an octoganal pommel at its proximal end with, and decorated at the edges with hach marks; a transverse hole for a wrist-loop.  

Dimensions: Approximate length 25 inches.

Condition: Superb. Recently cleaned/conserved to museum standards. Shows signs of battle use on the haft.

Provenance: A fine European collection.

Comparable: Please see page 366 in my book for a near-identical one, which was in my personal collection for over 10 years.

Conclusion: All collections should have a good war mace. They carry a certain machismo that attracts collectors and even non-collectors looking for a good conversation piece. This is an impressive war mace of superb construction and elegant design. The war dings on the haft add to its mystique. It is a highly collectible piece. I would absolutely hate to be hit over the head with this mace. 

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I believe you will be very pleased.