War Hammer
War hammers were carried as a sidearm by armored cavalrymen for much of the sixteenth century and generally have a hammer-like head opposite a spike or beak: one designed to strike a concussive blow, much like a mace, and the other to pierce or puncture. This example is simple but well designed and built for maximum efficiency, with a steel head and steel haft sheathing a wooden core. The hook on one side at the top of the haft would allow the war hammer to be worn on a belt or attached to a saddle or harness. The hole near the midpoint of the haft is for a wrist cord.
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