Discussion: 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, and blunt-force weapons became increasingly crucial as plate armor developed.  As iron billets became more available, the mace evolved around 1320 to a full metal mace with vertical flanges on the head and a rounded grip with a pommel. 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 significant change in the mace is the Gothic mace, which evolved with cusping and piercings, following the style of Gothic art and architecture, and was later 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). Many maces from this period, such as the one on offer, have a partial steel haft extended with a wooden haft at the bottom.

Description: The mace under discussion is formed with a 12 steel half circular flanged head, a tall finial at the top of the head, a tubular haft extending to an original wooden haft covered in original ( or working life)  leather, two sets of double circumventing gutters separating a small octagonal section of the haft to the mace head, another set of double circumventing gutters at the center of the steel haft, a roped ring were the haft meets the wooden grip covered in leather, a thong ring at the finial of the haft.  Conserved/restored to museum standards.

Approximate length: 23.5 inches.

Provenance: Obtained from the third-party representative of a very fine  Central European collection.

Conclusion: An impressive war mace of superb construction and elegant design. It is a highly collectible piece due to its originality. Priced for a quick sale at $3,400!!!*