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Michael R. Black
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 Posted: Sun 30 Jul, 2006 12:02 pm Post subject: War hammer pics-animals? Anyone have links to some? |
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Hello everyone. I am wondering whether anyone has reference or links to pics of historical war hammers whose heads depict an animal? I love the Dragon War hammer that A and A used to do, and I'm curious to know whether there are actual examples of this type of thing out there.
Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Regards,
Michael
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Nathan Robinson
myArmoury Admin
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Dustin R. Reagan
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| Posted: Mon 31 Jul, 2006 4:09 pm Post subject: |
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One thing that catches my eye about this hammer is the different tone of both the spike and the striking tip of the hammer itself. Both of these pieces appear darker. Perhaps they are either differentially hardened, or actually different material all-together (perhaps higher-carbon pieces which were forge-welded onto the more elaborate body of the hammer head)?
Or perhaps the difference is purely ornamental?
What are your opinions?
Dustin
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Shawn Shaw
Location: Boston, MA USA Joined: 07 Jan 2006
Posts: 115
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| Posted: Mon 31 Jul, 2006 6:26 pm Post subject: |
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It does look like a cap of some kind. I think you might be on to something. There's probably no reason not to make the main part (the "mass") of the head out of mild steel and then cap it with higher carbon sheet steel to help it punch through armour/people.
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Charles G.
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| Posted: Mon 31 Jul, 2006 9:32 pm Post subject: |
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| Dustin R. Reagan wrote: | One thing that catches my eye about this hammer is the different tone of both the spike and the striking tip of the hammer itself. Both of these pieces appear darker. Perhaps they are either differentially hardened, or actually different material all-together (perhaps higher-carbon pieces which were forge-welded onto the more elaborate body of the hammer head)?
Or perhaps the difference is purely ornamental?
What are your opinions?
Dustin |
Actually, the body is some sort of brass/copper-alloy, while the hammer face and back spike are some sort of iron/steel. Why you never see colour shots of this hammer is a total mystery to me.
Also, it is *big* - the A&A repro was about 2/3 the size of the original. The original also had a fairly short haft.
References:
Rossi, Francesco. Mediaeval Arms and Armour. Magna Books. pp. 22-23. Leicester. 1990.
Baron de Cosson, C.A. A War Hammer in the Museo Correr, Venice. The Burlington Magazine for Connoisseurs Vol. 42, no. 241. pp. 188-190. January-June, 1923.
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Michael R. Black
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| Posted: Fri 04 Aug, 2006 10:05 am Post subject: |
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Thanks so much for the help regarding further details on this war hammer. I sure wish A and A were still making their repro of this.
Does anyone know of other animal/mythical beast depictions in war hammers? I'm interested in whether there are more historical examples. Any ideas about where I could search online for more references to these?
Regards,
Michael
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Russ Ellis
Industry Professional
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| Posted: Fri 04 Aug, 2006 12:17 pm Post subject: |
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Hey Guys,
Thanks for the information! I purchased the A&A version of that hammer on ebay several months back but I really didn't know anything about it's provenance. Just looking at the pictures that Nathan posted I can say that there are some differences from the original. The sheilds on the sides are different, the dragons tail and "fire" are longer on the repro (proportionally at least) and I'm sure there are some other things. If I manage it I'll see about taking some pictures of the repro if you are interested. I don't have any information about other fanciful designs right off the top of my head the only one that comes to mind immediately is the "fist pick" attributed to Ziska...
TRITONWORKS Custom Scabbards
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Russ Ellis
Industry Professional
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Michael R. Black
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| Posted: Sun 06 Aug, 2006 10:57 pm Post subject: |
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Wow Russ. That looks really cool. keep me in mind if you ever decide to sell this one! (I know-long shot at best)
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Russ Ellis
Industry Professional
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| Posted: Mon 07 Aug, 2006 7:52 am Post subject: |
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| Michael R. Black wrote: | | Wow Russ. That looks really cool. keep me in mind if you ever decide to sell this one! (I know-long shot at best) |
Hey Michael,
You know I will... of course I've never actually sold anything from A&A... but if I come across another one I'll let you know as well... 
TRITONWORKS Custom Scabbards
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