[D. Austin]

Hi folks,

I’d like to share with you some pictures of my latest polearm commission, a reproduction of a 17th century Lucerne hammer from the Higgins Armory (#1790). It was made following measurements and photos provided by the client, the only requested changes being lengthening of the langets, and omission of the tassel. I forged this piece form mild steel with a carbon steel tip welded into the main spike and hardened. I’m not sure if this was done on the original, but it certainly was a technique used in some such weapons. I’m planning to ship it sans haft, to be mounted by the client, but I have hafted it myself for photos (and to have a little play with it of course).

This particular piece is unusual in that the head sits between the langets and is secured only by the post passing through it (the side spikes) rather than sliding on over the main spike, as is the more common arrangement for a Lucerne hammer. I’m not sure that this method is as secure as the usual attachment, but I certainly wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of this one, particularly as it’s quite obviously a thrusting weapon primarily, and is more than capable of that.

I hope you like it. Any comments are always welcome.

Darren.

[Lucas LaVoy]

I think "yikes" pretty much sums up my impression of that one. Nice job!

[Felix R.]

This one looks great. There are other great arms too on your own page.

[Jean Thibodeau]

Look dangerous no matter which way you swing it.

Although based on a period original I have just one design/use question: The 4 spikes on the " hammer " side seem thin to me if the intent is for that side to serve as a hammer although it should be very " grippy " and useful in getting hold of plate edges to drag someone down ! Nasty on unarmoured body part also.

Oh, nice work by the way.

[Hugo Voisine]

This thing is just hellish.... Great job Darren!

[Tim Seaton]

That looks like it would hurt some ones feeling !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[D. Austin]

Thanks for all the positive comments guys.

I know what you mean about those thin spikes Jean, I believe the word used on the Higgins website to describe them was “feeble”. They’re certainly not intended for armour crushing, but they do seem as you suggested, rather grippy. My personal observations from handling my reproduction, suggest that that the original was designed primarily for thrusting and that the “hammer” part perhaps performed multiple functions, including parrying, hooking and just plain “looking nasty”.

Darren.

[Jean Thibodeau]