Medieval war hammers were essential weapons designed to counter armored opponents on the battlefield. This list covers the most notable types of war hammers used across medieval Europe, detailing their unique features and historical significance. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a reenactor, or a collector, understanding these types will deepen your appreciation of medieval warfare and weapon craftsmanship.
1. Bec de Corbin
The Bec de Corbin, translating to “raven’s beak,” was a war hammer popular in the 14th and 15th centuries. It featured a hammerhead on one side and a long, curved spike on the other, resembling a bird’s beak. This design was specifically effective against plate armor, where the spike could puncture or catch on joints and gaps, while the hammer side delivered concussive blows.
2. Lucerne Hammer
The Lucerne hammer originated in Switzerland in the 15th century and is distinguished by its multi-pronged head. It combined a hammer face, a long spike, and sometimes additional side spikes or a top spike, making it a versatile polearm. Its reach and ability to pierce heavy armor made it a favored weapon among infantry facing armored knights.
3. Maul
The maul was essentially a large, heavy hammer with a wooden shaft and a solid iron or steel head. Unlike other war hammers designed primarily for piercing, the maul focused on delivering powerful blunt force. It was effective in smashing helmets and shields, often used by foot soldiers and sometimes by archers when close combat was unavoidable.
4. Horseman’s Pick
The horseman’s pick featured a long, narrow spike extending from a hammer head, designed to penetrate plate armor or chainmail. Typically wielded by cavalry, its spike could puncture helmets or armor gaps during horseback charges. Its design is directly influenced by earlier pick weapons but adapted for mounted combat.
5. War Hammer with Flanged Head
Flanged war hammers had protruding ridges or flanges on the hammerhead instead of a smooth face. These metal ridges concentrated the force of a blow onto a smaller surface area, increasing its armor-piercing capability. This design was particularly effective against plate armor, as the flanges could dent and deform metal plates.
6. Poll Hammer
The poll hammer was a simpler form, featuring a hammerhead on one side and a blunt poll (or spike) on the other. It was often mounted on a long shaft, allowing foot soldiers to strike from a distance. Its balanced design allowed both crushing and puncturing strikes depending on the battlefield need.
7. Bec de Faucon
The Bec de Faucon, or “falcon’s beak,” was similar to the Bec de Corbin but usually featured a more sharply curved spike resembling a falcon’s talon. It was designed to hook and pull away shields or armor plates as well as to pierce. This weapon saw use primarily in the late medieval period among infantry specialized in anti-armor tactics.
8. Mace-Hammer Hybrid
Some war hammers incorporated features of maces, combining a spiked or flanged hammerhead with mace-like protrusions. This hybrid design maximized the weapon’s lethality against armored foes by delivering both concussive and puncturing damage. Such weapons were less common but demonstrate medieval experimentation with weapon effectiveness.
9. Bec de Marteau
The Bec de Marteau, or “hammer’s beak,” was a variant that combined a blunt hammer face with a pointed spike, but with a shorter and thicker spike than the Bec de Corbin. It was favored in the 14th century for its balance between smashing power and piercing ability, allowing soldiers to adapt mid-fight.
10. Horseman’s War Hammer with Spike
Distinct from the horseman’s pick, this variation included a hammerhead with a robust spike protruding vertically or at an angle, attached to a shorter shaft for one-handed use on horseback. It allowed mounted knights to deliver devastating strikes against armored opponents, especially in melee combat where sword strikes were less effective.
How to Choose
When selecting a medieval war hammer type, consider its intended use and the armor it was designed to counter. Weapons like the Bec de Corbin and Lucerne hammer excelled at piercing plate armor gaps, making them ideal against heavily armored knights. If you want blunt force for smashing helmets and shields, a heavy maul or poll hammer is more suitable. The length of the shaft also matters: polearms like the Lucerne hammer offer reach, while shorter war hammers are better for close quarters or mounted combat. Finally, historical context and regional origin can guide your choice if you prioritize authenticity, as different designs were favored in different eras and areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main advantage of a war hammer over a sword?
War hammers are designed to damage or penetrate armor through concentrated blunt force or spikes, whereas swords primarily cut or thrust and are less effective against plate armor.
Q: Were war hammers used by knights or infantry?
Both. Infantry favored polearm versions like the Lucerne hammer, while mounted knights used shorter, one-handed horseman’s picks or war hammers.
Q: How heavy were medieval war hammers?
Weights varied, but many ranged from 2 to 5 pounds for one-handed versions, while polearms could be heavier due to longer shafts and larger heads.
Q: Did war hammers evolve over time?
Yes, designs became more specialized to counter improvements in armor technology, leading to features like flanges, spikes, and multi-pronged heads.
Q: Can war hammers be used effectively without armor?
They are less versatile without armor to counter; swords and axes are generally better for unarmored combat due to their slashing and cutting ability.
Q: Were war hammers common in all parts of Europe?
They were widespread but particularly prevalent in Western Europe, with notable regional variations like the Swiss Lucerne hammer.
Final Thoughts
Medieval war hammers represent a fascinating blend of form and function, crafted specifically to meet the challenges posed by evolving armor technology. From the versatile Lucerne hammer to the specialized Bec de Corbin, each type offers insight into the ingenuity of medieval weapon makers and warriors. Understanding these weapons not only enriches historical knowledge but also highlights the complexity of medieval combat beyond the sword and shield archetype.
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