Axe and Hammer of Condottiero Gattamelata

Late Medieval Horseman's Axe and Hammer of Condottiero Gattamelata

The History of Crushing Cavalry Weapons

When plate armour reached its peak of perfection during the 15th and early 16th centuries, ordinary swords could no longer reliably pierce it, forcing both cavalry and infantry to resort to brute force. Combination weapons emerged, utilising the hammer side to crush armour and break bones, whilst the axe blade served to cleave through mail or shields. This particular weapon is crafted in honour of Erasmo of Narni, a famous 15th-century Italian mercenary commander, better known by his nickname, Gattamelata. It was precisely the heavy cavalry of such condottieri that favoured these weapons for smashing through enemy formations.

Mounting the Head and Proper Care

The weapon is supplied exclusively as a separate metal head; the photographs showing it with a haft are purely illustrative. To mount it, you will need high-quality hardwood, ideally ash or hickory. Drive the head firmly onto the haft and secure it with a reliable steel or wooden wedge so it does not come loose during handling. Because the head is forged from mild steel, it is susceptible to rust. After every use or after handling it with bare hands, treat it with a light coat of gun oil to prevent oxidation. Never store the weapon in a damp environment or in wet leather covers.

Important Safety Warning

Although the materials and robust appearance give the impression that the weapon could withstand the rigours of combat, the manufacturer provides no warranty or service for contact use. For safety reasons, it is therefore a purely decorative product, completely unsuitable for practical use in fencing, HEMA tournaments, or stage combat. Never strike hard targets with it, as flying splinters of metal or wood could cause serious injury to you or bystanders.

Technical Specifications

Recommended Accessories

We recommend pairing this horseman's axe with a set of late 15th-century steel plate gauntlets and an Italian Bellows face sallet with a bevor to create a visually complete and historically accurate display of a mercenary commander's armoury.