War hammer, horseman's pick, 16th century, semi-sharp

Product description

This war hammer is a replica of a 16th-century German original. This type of war hammer is also known as a horseman’s pick, as it was highly effective against armored cavalry. War hammers like this appeared in the second half of the 15th century and were mainly used in Italy, France, and Germany.

The weapon featured a hammerhead with a long spike, similar to a miner’s pick, capable of piercing armor where a sword would fail. Variants such as the Polish nadziak and the English horseman’s pick were popular among cavalry, notably during the Hundred Years’ War. Its advantages were power and armor-piercing capability; its disadvantages included weight, awkward handling, and the risk of the spike getting stuck. Nevertheless, a single blow could shatter a helmet or breastplate and incapacitate an opponent.

In the 16th century, horseman’s picks also became status symbols, often decorated with patterns or monograms. However, with the rise of firearms, they gradually lost their practical use. In Hungary, they remained in use for a short time, but by the 17th century, they were completely replaced by the bayonet.

This replica horseman’s pick is crafted in the stylized form of a fist gripping a dagger. It was likely used primarily for decorative or ceremonial purposes.