2052 Antique War Hammer
2052) A DECORATED GERMAN WAR HAMMER, CIRCA 1580 MUSEUM CONDITION:
Introduction: This decorated German war hammer represents a superb example of late 16th-century European military craftsmanship, preserved in remarkable museum condition. This typology of horseman’s hammer was the most popular from 1550 to 1600 in Western Europe. What sets this one apart is the exceptional condition and elegance. Undoubtedly, the original owner of this war hammer was wealthy or a high-ranking officer.
Description: Constructed with a distinctively long, slender all-metal construction. Its head is engineered with a square, slightly flared striking face on one side and a long, sharply curved armor-piercing fluke on the other. The structural block of the hammer head is subtly accented with precise vertical and horizontal decorative ridges. Original belt clip. Moving down, the upper third of the steel shaft transitions into an elegant, tightly twisted spiral pattern. The central grip area is smooth, segmented by clean, raised decorative bands. At the base, a small circular hand-guard disk protects the hand from sliding up the weapon. The grip itself is rendered in a heavy, ergonomically fluted spiral texture to ensure a secure hold, terminating in an integrated, extending bottomed pommel cap.
Condition: Exceptional.
Length: 23.5 inches.
Discussion: Like the mace, the war hammer under discussion is constructed of all steel. However, it is not as heavy as a mace. A great example of this typology of hammer is in a portrait of Prince Elector Moritz of Saxony with a horseman’s hammer by Lucas Cranach the Younger, circa 1580.
The war hammer consisted of a handle (usually made of wood), more accurately referred to as a haft, with a heavy metal head. Not all hammer hafts were made of wood. This variant of the horseman’s hammer is made of all metal; it was used for smashing armor, but with its longer fluke, also for dismounting a knight from his horse.
The length of a hammer’s fluke is a reasonably good indicator to estimate a Western European hammer’s age. The war hammer typically included a hammerhead and a curved fluke on the opposite side. Many war hammers were topped with a spike. In addition, the war hammer could be used against mounted cavalry by injuring the horses and/or, as previously mentioned, dismounting the riders with the fluke. War hammers were also used in many types of polearms, including the Lucerne Hammer and Bec de Corbin. Hammers were also used in tournaments. By the 16th century, steel had become the standard material for short war hammers.
Comparable: See page 377 in my book.
Provenance: From a long-established European collection.
Conclusion: An exceptionally elegant war hammer that any museum would love to display. This is not only a Renaissance instrument of war and destruction but also a Renaissance work of art. Highly ornate hammers, such as this one, are seldom available in the collectors’ market. If you’ve ever wanted one, now is the time to act!!!*
ACT-NOW and avoid disappointment! Hammers in as good condition and as decorated as this one are seldom available in the collectors’ market.
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