The 16th century in Western Europe saw plate armour reach its pinnacle, and along with it, the need for weapons to defeat it. Two distinct schools of thought were born from this, the first being thinner, stiff, thrusting swords capable of finding and exploiting the tiny gaps in the armour, and the second being weapons capable of smashing through the armour or at least causing incapacitating trauma to the wearer. This mace is a prime example of the second school of thought, and became a very popular and economical weapon during the period. The head on this example features seven large flanges, each with a prominent knob, capable of collapsing the steel plates of armour, and there is a prominent finial at the tip. The shaft is also steel and carved with a woven pattern on the grip area and floral vines on the remainder. There is a hole through the shaft just above the grip area with a leather lanyard for weapon retention.

Very good, showing mostly a smooth grey patina overall, darker in recessed areas of the carving, and some scattered light pitting, two of the flanges show minor dings consistent with use. A very good example of 16th Century weaponry!