C.1475-1500, probably German. Iron, over 4 ¼” length (4.29”). Finely forged hammer with octagonal neck, expanded rectangular socket and elongated pyramidal back spike. Excavated or weathered. The socket and back spike heavily textured. The neck in better preservation. Dissimilar degradation such as this occurs, usually on the battlefield, when the object is partially protected by a belt, folds of clothing, saddle or similar while the balance of the object is exposed to corrosive soil conditions. Gothic war hammers are rarer than maces.
