C.1590 North Italian Horseman's War Hammer Axe

C.1590 North Italian Horseman’s War Hammer Axe

An excellent and original late-16th Century North Italian war hammer in very fine condition. These war hammers were meant for close combat, whilst on a horse or dismounted and on the field of battle. This war hammer comprises a large and distinctive iron beak-head and claw-type hammer to the reverse. The beak would have been used to pierce armour and the hammer would have smashed against the hard plate armour of the time. Swords were ineffective against armour and so a penetrative or concussive weapon was required – most injuries from the hammer would have been caused by the concussive power of the hammer penetrating through the helmet and so rendering the opponent unconscious or disorientated. It was quite a gruesome but effective weapon. This hammer has riveted langets that reach the full length of the original wooden shaft. It is exceptionally rare to find these very early war hammers and especially so in this superb condition – cannot be faulted. Most examples of this quality are found in museums. See the images below from publications that feature more examples of this type of weapon.