16th Century German War Hammer

This precise replica of a 16th-century German war hammer is the embodiment of the brute force that dominated the late medieval battlefield. It is an all-metal weapon with a genuine leather-wrapped grip, designed to command respect. The hammer's head combines a striking face with a sharp, slightly curved spike, making it a versatile and dangerous tool against armoured opponents. The robust hexagonal shaft features two steel rondel guards to effectively protect your hands in combat. The entire weapon has a dark, authentic-looking finish. Further product information ...

Available immediately 51 pcs
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109,00 €
90,08 € excl. VAT
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16th Century German War Hammer

Versatile Use

This battle hammer is the ideal accessory for:

  • Historical Costume: Perfectly complements your armour as a knight, mercenary, or man-at-arms from the late medieval and Renaissance periods.
  • Re-enactment and LARP: Although robustly made, for safety we recommend it as a visually impressive prop.
  • Decoration: It will become a standout piece in your weapon collection, study, or private den.
  • Theatre and Film: Serves as an authentic prop for historical scenes.

 

Historical Context: The Anti-Armour Weapon

War hammers saw their greatest use during the 15th and 16th centuries. This was a period when the quality of plate armour reached such a level that swords became less effective against it. Armour could deflect a sword's cut, but it was vulnerable to the concentrated force of a hammer. The purpose of this weapon was to crush, deform, and pierce. The hammer face might not penetrate the armour, but it could cause devastating trauma underneath—broken bones and internal injuries. The sharp spike, or beak, on the other side was designed to puncture weaker spots in the armour, find gaps between plates, or pull a rider from his horse.

A Note from History

This type of weapon is often known by the French term bec de corbin, which translates to "raven's beak." This name aptly describes the shape and function of the sharp spike. Unlike the sword, which was a symbol of knighthood, the war hammer was seen as a brutal yet highly pragmatic weapon, whose sole purpose was to neutralise a fully armoured opponent quickly and efficiently.

Specifications

Overall Length: approx. 50.7 cm (19.96 in)
Head Length: approx. 15.5 cm (6.1 in)
Hammer Face Diameter: approx. 4.2 cm (1.65 in)
Shaft Profile: Hexagonal, approx. 13.7 / 15.4 mm
Guard Disc Diameter: approx. 5.6 cm (2.2 in)
Material: Carbon Steel, Wooden Grip Core, Cowhide Leather
Weight: approx. 1190 g (2.62 lbs)

 

Care and Safety

Maintenance

Keep the steel parts of the hammer dry. To prevent rust, regularly wipe them with a cloth lightly dampened with a preservation oil (such as Ballistol or WD-40). You can treat the leather grip with a leather conditioner from time to time to maintain its suppleness.

Important Notice

This is a historical replica with a sharp point. Handle with extreme care. This is not a toy—keep it out of the reach of children. Never aim or swing the hammer towards people or animals. The materials used, the construction, and the craftsmanship would allow for practical use, but as the manufacturer provides no warranty, we offer this product for decorative use only.

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