War Hammer

Unknown

mid-16th century · Steel, wood · Arms and Armor

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid-16th century

Medium

Steel, wood

Culture

German

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Gift of William H. Riggs, 1913