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.
Artwork Details
- Title: War Hammer
- Date: mid-16th century
- Culture: German
- Medium: Steel, wood
- Dimensions: L. 19 3/4 in. (50.2 cm); L. of head 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm); W. 4 3/8 in. (11.1 cm); Wt. 2 lbs. 3 oz. (992.2 g)
- Classification: Shafted Weapons
- Credit Line: Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913
- Object Number: 14.25.1342
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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German, Saxony
mid-16th century
Peter Peck
Ambrosius Gemlich
ca. 1540–45
Kunz Lochner
dated 1549
Kolman Helmschmid
ca. 1525
German, probably Nuremberg
ca. 1500
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