Gothic Steel War Hammer

Gothic Steel War Hammer of Condottiero Colleoni

Historical Context and the Birth of a Legend

This weapon is crafted in honour of Bartolomeo Colleoni (1400–1475), who was one of the most famous and feared Italian condottieri, renowned for his brilliant tactics and command of heavy cavalry. The historical prototype of such a hammer dates back to the 15th century. During this period, plate armour reached its peak, and ordinary slashing weapons like swords lost their effectiveness against it. Therefore, specialised impact weapons were developed. The purpose of the blunt side of the hammer was to crush bones and deform plates, thereby limiting the opponent's mobility. The opposite side, the so-called raven's beak (bec de corbin), was used to pierce chainmail and seek out weak spots in the gaps between the plates.

Appearance, Construction, and Materials

The hammer is constructed as a massive all-metal tool, the body of which is made of durable mild steel. The long steel shaft is aesthetically twisted in its middle section, which not only provides an attractive Gothic appearance but also increases structural strength. The grip area is precisely wrapped with strong wire, ensuring the handle does not slip even when wearing an armoured gauntlet. The weapon terminates in a massive, faceted pommel that balances the heavy striking part. The hammer head is anchored by rivets and offers the aforementioned blunt striking surface and a long, downward-curving piercing spike.

Weapon Care and Maintenance

For the weapon to serve you well for a long time and to maintain its cold shine, it must be properly cared for. Mild steel is subject to corrosion, so we recommend wiping the entire weapon dry after every use or handling and treating it with a thin layer of high-quality gun oil (such as Ballistol). Never store the tool in a damp environment or in closed, airtight containers.

Safety Rules and Suitable Equipment

Although the weapon appears very robust, we must point out that for safety reasons, it is a decorative product unsuitable for practical use. With a weight exceeding three kilograms (approx. 7.28 lbs), the hammer has extreme concussive power. The weapon is under no circumstances intended for HEMA contact fencing, stage combat, boffer battles, or man-to-man combat due to safety concerns. Any strike on a living target or a hard obstacle could cause fatal and irreversible injuries or the destruction of the item itself. To accompany this war hammer, we recommend acquiring a sturdy leather belt frog and a heavily padded arming doublet (gambeson) corresponding to 15th-century European fashion, with which you will create a perfect set.

Table of Technical Parameters

• Overall Dimensions: cca 60 x 21 cm / approx. 23.6 x 8.3 in
• Total Weight: cca 3.30 kg / approx. 7.28 lbs
• Material: Mild steel
• Handle: Steel, wrapped with shiny silver wire
• Pommel and Guard Elements: Faceted, geometrically shaped