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Mace, morning star, war mace, raven’s beak, war hammer, sling – this category brings together medieval bludgeoning weapons and specialised weapons that do not fit into the classic sword or axe categories, but which played a decisive role in history. Here you will find replicas ranging from a simple cast-iron mace head (from approx. €17) to the intricately crafted Italian Beast Hammer, a war hammer in the style of the 14th-century Da Carrara original.
Melee weapons in the Middle Ages: what do they include?
When historians speak of medieval weapons, many first think of swords or axes. Yet a whole range of bludgeons and specialised weapons shaped medieval combat just as much. The key difference lies in the principle of operation: whilst swords and axes slash, cut or chop, bludgeons rely on blunt force, concentrated impact or the shattering of bones and armour.
Among the most important examples of this group are:
- Mace: Short shaft with a lamellar or winged head, designed for one-handed use on horseback.
- Mace: Wooden shaft with a metal ball studded with spikes – either fixed in place or suspended from a chain (in which case it is also known as a flail or war flail).
- War hammer / raven’s beak: A double-sided weapon with a hammer head on one side and a tapering hooked blade (beak) on the other.
- War hammer: A heavier variant of the battle hammer, optimised for mounted combat against plate armour.
- Sling (Balearic sling): An ancient ranged weapon made of woven leather, which was already in use by Greek and Roman troops and remained in use until the Middle Ages.
The main reason for the development of these weapons: improved armour – initially chain mail, later plate armour – made cutting weapons increasingly less effective. Blunt force and targeted penetration could not be neutralised so easily. This fundamentally distinguishes the blunt weapon from the cutting weapon: the cutting weapon (axe, hatchet) severs material through a cutting action, whilst the blunt weapon transfers kinetic energy to the armour and the body beneath it.
Historical classification: From antiquity to the late Middle Ages
Early clubs and projectile weapons
Maces and war clubs were already widespread in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece – simple wooden clubs with stone or metal heads. The Balearic sling made of woven leather was a feared ranged weapon, made famous by the Balearic islanders and used in numerous armies of antiquity.
Early and High Middle Ages: Iron maces of the knighthood
With the advent of chain mail, simple iron maces became widespread among mounted warriors. They could be wielded with one hand, whilst the other held the reins. Maces were particularly widespread among the cavalry of the Crusades – including among clergy, as the shedding of blood with sharp weapons was restricted by the Church.
The war hammer as a response to plate armour
As plate armour became prevalent, blunt force alone was no longer sufficient. The war hammer, with its concentrated striking surface and opposing hook tip (raven’s beak), became a specialised weapon against plate armour. The original Da Carrara from northern Italy – the model for the Beast Hammer in our range – dates from precisely this phase of development.
Ceremonial war hammers and dagger war hammers
In the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, craftsmen combined battle hammers and daggers to create ceremonial weapons: the dagger battle hammer (German, 15th–16th centuries) features a folding dagger in the shaft and served as both a combat and ceremonial weapon. At the same time, the morning star remained a common weapon for foot soldiers – robust, inexpensive to manufacture and effective against lightly armoured opponents.
Legal: Is a morning star prohibited in Germany?
Many people ask this question – and it is a valid one. In Germany, the Weapons Act (WaffG) in Section 2 in conjunction with Annex 2 regulates which items are classified as prohibited weapons. Morgensterns with a ball chain – that is, weapons in which a spiked metal ball hangs from a chain – are classified as prohibited items in Germany if they are carried, i.e. taken outside one’s own four walls or kept to hand.
In concrete terms, this means:
- Possession of a morning star as a collector’s item or decorative object within one’s own home is generally legal in Germany.
- Carrying (carrying in public, at events, etc.) is prohibited – regardless of intent.
- Mace and war hammers are not subject to these specific regulations, but may fall under other weapons legislation depending on their design.
Anyone who is unsure should check the current legal situation or seek legal advice before purchasing. This text does not constitute legal advice – responsibility for lawful use lies with the buyer.
Materials and workmanship: What goes into these replicas?
| Material | Suitability | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon steel | Historical | Battle hammer heads, raven’s beak, war hammer – robust, long-term use, authentic patina |
| Cast iron | Decoration / Beginners | Mace heads in the style of the 12th/13th century – affordable, heavy, for wall decoration or a collection |
| Brass | Decoration / Collection | Mace head with a warm golden hue – visually high-quality, for display |
| Hardwood | Historical | Handles for morning star, war hammer and battle hammer – authentic feel |
| Leather (100%) | Historical | Grip wraps, sheaths (e.g. Mjölnir leather sheath), sling straps |
High-end pieces such as the dagger-mace (15th–16th century) or the Viking hammer Mjölnir with a handcrafted leather scabbard combine several materials. The combination of a carbon steel head, hardwood shaft and leather detailing in these replicas is not merely for aesthetic effect – it adheres to the craftsmanship standards of historical models. More affordable mace heads made of cast iron or brass are supplied without a shaft and are suitable for individual assembly or as decorative objects.
Mace, war mace and battle hammer compared
- Mace: spiked ball on a chain (chain weapon) or fixed to a shaft
- Not every morning star is a chain weapon – the term is also frequently used for fixed clubs with spikes
- Mace: Lamellar or winged striking head, no spikes, concentrated force
- Both: Wielded with one hand, typical of mounted fighters
- Effective against chain mail; only limited effectiveness against plate armour
- Our morning stars: from approx. €34 with hardwood handle and metal chain
- Double-sided: hammer head on one side, tapering hooked blade (raven’s beak) on the other
- Specifically designed to combat plate armour
- War hammer: heavier variant, usually used two-handed or in mounted combat
- Dagger warhammer: combined weapon with a folding dagger in the shaft
- Higher level of craftsmanship – corresponding price range from approx. €59 to €151
- Authentic hammer marks and historically informed design on high-end items
For what purpose – collection, decoration, re-enactment or LARP?
Malley heads made of cast iron or brass are ideal as wall decorations or for a medieval armoury. They are supplied without a handle but are sturdy enough for permanent display. Morning stars with chains are also popular as character accessories at medieval markets – provided they are worn purely for decorative purposes on a belt and not actively wielded.
For costumes at medieval markets or events, morning stars with hardwood handles and steel maces look impressive and can be worn as character accessories. Combined with knightly weapons and a matching outfit, they create a harmonious overall look. Please be aware of legal restrictions on handling – particularly for chained morning stars.
Battle hammers, raven’s beaks and war hammers made of carbon steel are authentic pieces of equipment for historical re-enactments and exhibition fights without full contact. Metal weapons are not suitable for full-contact LARP – foam weapons are mandatory there. In re-enactment, however, these items are to be used as props, camp decorations or in controlled performances.
Whether you’re looking for a simple mace head as a decorative piece, a historically inspired war hammer for your re-enactment outfit, or an authentic morning star for your armoury – in this category you’ll find the specialist weapons that are often missing elsewhere. Take a look around and discover pieces that bring history to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Morgensterns with a ball chain (spiked ball on a chain) fall under Section 2 of the German Weapons Act (WaffG) in conjunction with Annex 2 and are classified as prohibited items if carried – that is, if carried outside one’s own premises. Possession as a collector’s item or decorative object within one’s own home is generally legal. Anyone who is unsure should seek legal advice before purchasing.
The morning star is a mace with a spiked head – either fixed in place or (as a flail/war flail) attached to a chain. The mace has a lamellar or winged striking head without spikes and is designed for blunt force impact, typically used by mounted fighters. The warhammer, on the other hand, is a double-sided weapon: one side is a hammer face, the other a tapering hooked blade (raven’s beak) – specifically designed for use against plate armour.
Yes – many historical morning stars consisted of a spiked ball connected to a wooden shaft via a metal chain. This design is also known as a flail or war flail and was particularly common amongst foot soldiers. In legal terms, it is precisely these chain weapons that are subject to particularly restrictive regulations in Germany (see WaffG §2).
Metal weapons made of steel, cast iron or brass are not suitable for full-contact LARP, as the risk of injury is too high. Only certified foam weapons are permitted for full-contact LARP games. However, for staged combat performances without actual contact, re-enactment camps or as costume accessories at medieval markets, these replicas are an authentic choice.
The raven’s beak is the hook-shaped, downward-curving tip on the back of a war hammer. This hooked blade was designed to pierce plate armour or catch on armour parts and pull the opponent from the saddle. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the war hammer with a raven’s beak was one of the most feared weapons of infantry and knights against heavily armoured opponents.