Swiss or German Bec de Corbin War Hammer

An iron war hammer of Swiss or German origin, known as a ‘Bec de Corbin’ or ‘crows beak’ type – similarly known as a staff weapon ‘lucerne hammer’. This is a type of war hammer with a strong four-sided spike immensely strong for punching through helmets and armous, the other side features four splayed sharpened spikes. This example features an unusual side hook which is sharp, and could have been used for hooking and also for hanging the weapon from a strap. There are two projecting langets which are attached down either side of the wooden haft, the rivets of decorative brass flowerheads. The shaft is of oak, probably later than the head. A rare weapon, 19th century and earlier.  european