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

Product description

This war hammer replicates a 16th-century German original. Also known as a horseman's pick, it was highly effective against armored cavalry. War hammers like this appeared in the second half of the 15th century and saw widespread use 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 like the Polish nadziak and the English horseman's pick were popular among cavalry, notably during the Hundred Years' War. Its strengths were raw power and armor-piercing capability. Its drawbacks included weight, awkward handling, and the risk of the spike getting stuck. Even so, a single blow could shatter a helmet or breastplate and take an opponent out of the fight.

By the 16th century, horseman's picks had also become status symbols, often decorated with patterns or monograms. With the rise of firearms, they gradually lost their practical use. Hungary held on to them a little longer, but by the 17th century firearms and the bayonet had replaced them entirely.

This replica horseman's pick is crafted in the stylized form of a fist gripping a dagger — most likely intended for decorative or ceremonial use.