Medieval Spiked Battle Flail, 'Morning Star'

Medieval Spiked Battle Flail, 'Morning Star'

Devastating Power in Detail

This weapon is crafted with an emphasis on historical appearance and robustness. Its key elements are:

• The Spiked Ball: The heart of the weapon is a massive cast steel ball, 6 cm in diameter, armed with nine fearsome spikes. The ball itself weighs a formidable 870 g (approx. 1.9 lbs), guaranteeing the crushing force of every blow.
• The Sturdy Chain: The ball is connected to the haft by a strong, 10-link chain that allows for maximum energy transfer.
• The Wooden Haft: The haft, made of solid teak wood, is over 60 cm long and ergonomically shaped for a secure grip. It is topped with a steel cap that is firmly secured with cross-pins for maximum durability.

With a total weight of over 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs), you will feel the true weight of history in your hands.

Practical Application

This is a fully functional and dangerous replica of a medieval weapon. Its primary purpose is therefore as a collector's item and a display piece. It can serve as an authentic prop for film shoots, theatrical performances, or as part of a static costume presentation. Due to its nature and the unpredictable movement of the chain, this flail is absolutely unsuitable for any form of historical fencing, LARP, combat practice, or other contact activities where there is a risk of injury.

A Glimpse into History: The Armour-Crushing Weapon

The flail, or battle flail, evolved as a militarized version of the agricultural threshing flail. Its main advantage in combat against heavily armoured opponents lay not in piercing armour, but in destroying it. While a sword might glance off plate mail, the crushing blow of a heavy ball could dent a helmet, break bones beneath the plate, and cause serious internal injuries without ever penetrating the steel. It was a relatively cheap and brutally effective infantry weapon against knightly cavalry.

Interesting Fact: Morning Star or Holy Water Sprinkler?

The naming of these weapons is often confusing. The term 'Morning Star' has become popular for a weapon with a spiked ball. Historically, however, a morning star could also refer to a rigid mace with a spiked head. A similar weapon was the 'Holy Water Sprinkler', named for its resemblance to the liturgical instrument, which was also typically a rigid weapon. What defines this weapon as a flail is the flexible chain, which gives it its specific and deadly properties.

Safety First: Essential Handling Guidelines

Remember, you are holding a replica of a real and dangerous weapon. Always treat it with the utmost caution.

• Never swing the flail near other people, animals, or property. Always ensure a safety perimeter of several metres/yards around you.
• Be aware of the unpredictable nature of the chain. It can rebound or swing in unexpected directions, including back towards you.
• Keep the weapon in a safe place, out of the reach of children and untrained individuals.
• By purchasing and owning this item, you assume full responsibility for its safe and lawful handling and storage.

Caring for Your Weapon

To maintain its original appearance, give your weapon some basic care. Keep the wooden haft dry and occasionally treat it with linseed oil. The steel parts (ball, chain, cap) are not stainless, so protect them from moisture and regularly conserve them with a thin coat of oil (e.g., Ballistol, WD-40) to prevent rust.

Technical Specifications

• Overall Length (D): approx. 64 cm / 25.2 in.
• Haft Length: approx. 61.1 cm / 24 in.
• Handle Length (C): approx. 11-14 cm / 4.3-5.5 in.
• Chain Length (A): approx. 27-28.5 cm / 10.6-11.2 in. (10 links)
• Ball Diameter: approx. 60 mm / 2.4 in. (with 9 steel spikes)
• Ball Weight: approx. 870 g / 1.9 lbs
• Total Weight: approx. 1524 g / 3.36 lbs
• Material: Hardwood (Teak), Steel
• Manufacturer: Lord Of Battles®