Forged iron two-handed bludgeoning mace "Morning-Star" or "Morgenstern", France or Germany, 1370-1420

Massive two-handed bludgeoning or melee mace, of the "Morning Star" or "Morgenstern" type, made of forged iron and fixed on a solid wooden handle which allowed an extremely firm grip, in the Gothic period (1370-1420) in Germany or France.

This exceptional bludgeoning consists of a large sphere of forged and polished iron to which are attached six symmetrically arranged spikes, also of forged iron and silver-brazed. The creation of this type of bludgeon was the most suitable in the workshops of master armorers in the Middle Ages, as they had to meet fundamental requirements: considerable weight and size, and extremely resistant to withstand the heavy blows caused by impact against the enemy's solid armor without causing damage.

The excellent construction of this mace is also due to its perfect balance in the two-handed grip. Once grasped, thanks to the slightly tapered handle, it could be swung easily and efficiently by the infantryman, allowing it to strike multiple opponents in melee with maximum precision, requiring minimal effort despite its considerable weight. Essentially, a blow delivered with sufficient energy could sink or pierce even sturdy combat armor, causing the unfortunate victim serious injuries or even death from the trauma of the deadly impact.

This mace, depicted in some medieval miniatures, was highly versatile. Indeed, it appears to have been used as a throwing weapon, or, with the handle replaced with a much longer one, it could be used to cripple cavalry steeds. It was also used by knights, as it was a frighteningly devastating mace precisely because of its characteristics, which were undoubtedly designed and intended to be as destructive as possible.

One of the very few iron maces of this type, surviving in exceptional condition.