Saddle hammer
| Saddle hammer | |
|---|---|
|
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| Information | |
| Weapon type: | Battle hammer |
| Designations: | Fist hammer, horseman's hammer, Nadziak, parrot, Marteau d´armes de cavalier |
| Use: | War weapon, cavalry troops |
| Creation time: | circa 14th century |
| Working time: | approx. 15th century - 17th century |
| Region of origin / author: |
Holy Roman Empire |
| Distribution: | Italy , France , Holy Roman Empire |
| Overall length: | approx. 120 cm |
| Blade length: | up to approx. 50 cm |
| Handle: | Wood, metal |
| Particularities: | today only as a decorative or parade weapon |
| Lists on the subject | |
The rider's hammer is a long- handled striking weapon used by riders, similar to the battle hammer , with a pointed blade and hammer surface, which were used to dent or break open the opposing armor . The rider's hammer is a modification of the battle hammer with an elongated handle, intended for use on horseback. The blade or hammer shape corresponds to that of the battle hammers. A distinguishing feature is the belt hook, which is often found on horse hammers.
history
The rider's hammer (also fist hammer or parrot, French marteau d'armes de cavalier, English horseman's hammer, also horseman's pick) was introduced to European equestrian troops around the middle of the 15th century. It found wide distribution in Italy, France and Germany. When its devastating effect on armor became apparent, the knighthood also made use of this weapon. The blow of a riding hammer could tear open the helmet and the chest armor, incapacitate the enemy through the impact alone, or damage the armor in such a way that the wearer could no longer move or breathe properly.
In the cuirassier regiments of Emperor Maximilian II (HRR) , the Rott masters wore hammers with extra-long blades (spikes), which served as weapons and at the same time as symbols of dignity. At the end of the 15th century the custom emerged to equip the hammers' faces with diamond-shaped tips, figures or monograms. The original intention was to use these changes to increase the impact. The changes had no impact on the impact effect and were still retained. In addition, Boeheim says: "Developed with the intention of making the blow more dangerous, the custom led to clumsy racism on the grounds of recognizing the hero's hand on the corpses of the fallen." ( Wendelin Boeheim : Handbuch der Waffenkunde, page: 366)
With the advent of firearms, the rider's hammer lost its importance. In the transition period short-barreled flintlock firing devices were attached to battle hammers (as with other striking weapons), but firearms finally prevailed. Occasionally it was used by the Hungarian troops as a kind of walking stick or as a weapon when traveling. They were replaced by bayonets in the 17th century .
See also
literature
- Wendelin Boeheim : Handbook of the armory. The historical development of the weapon system from the beginning of the Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century. Seemann, Leipzig 1890 ( Seemanns Kunstgewerbliche Handbücher 7, ZDB -ID 53757-3 ), (reprint. Fourier Verlag, Wiesbaden 1985, ISBN 3-201-00257-7 ).
- Auguste Demmin : An Illustrated History of Arms and Armor from the earliest Period to the present Time. G. Bell & Sons, London 1877 (reprint. Wildhern Press, Teddington 2008, ISBN 978-1-84830-049-1 ), p. 438, online at Googlebooks , (English).
- André Schulze (Hrsg.): Medieval ways of fighting. Volume 2: The War Hammer, Shield and Piston. Talhoffers Fechtbuch anno domini 1467. von Zabern, Mainz 2007, ISBN 978-3-8053-3736-6 .
