1799) DECORATED GERMAN/ITALIAN WAR  MACE CIRCA 1550 WITH SECRET FEATURE: This mace has a secret feature I have never seen before in a mace like this. Plus, one of the best decorated grips I have seen.

Introduction: 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 them.

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). 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 the 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.

Condition: Very good; recently cleaned/conserved to museum standards.