The Lucerne hammer ( ) is a type of

polearm A polearm or pole weapon is a close combat weapon in which the main fighting part of the weapon is fitted to the end of a long shaft, typically of wood, thereby extending the user's effective range and striking power. Polearms are predominantl ...

which was popular in Swiss armies during the 15th to 17th centuries. It was a combination of the bec de corbin and a pronged

war hammer A war hammer (French: ''martel-de-fer'', "iron hammer") is a weapon that was used by both foot soldiers and cavalry. It is a very old weapon and gave its name, owing to its constant use, to Judah Maccabee, a 2nd-century BC Jewish rebel, and to Ch ...

Origins

The weapon originates from Switzerland, and the name comes from a discovery of many of these weapons in

Lucerne Lucerne ( , ; High Alemannic German, High Alemannic: ''Lozärn'') or Luzern ()Other languages: gsw, Lozärn, label=Lucerne German; it, Lucerna ; rm, Lucerna . is a city in central Switzerland, in the Languages of Switzerland, German-speaking po ...

, Switzerland.

Design

The hammer-part of the Lucerne hammer is a three-to-four-pronged head mounted atop a 2-meter-long (7 foot) polearm shaft. It bears a long spike on its reverse, and an even longer spike extending from the top. They are occasionally found to have spikes on the side of the head as well.

Use

The Lucerne hammer requires both hands for effective handling. As a modified polearm, Lucerne hammers have multiple functions in battle. The forward-pointing spike could be used for spearing, while the hammer proved effective at puncturing or smashing

armour Armour (British English) or armor (American English; see spelling differences) is a covering used to protect an object, individual, or vehicle from physical injury or damage, especially direct contact weapons or projectiles during combat, or fr ...

. Like many other polearms, the Lucerne hammer was also used for dismounting the enemy. The long pole increased the velocity of the head when the hammer was struck, resulting in tremendous force upon impact.

References

External links

Spotlight: The Medieval Poleaxe
by Alexi Goranov {{DEFAULTSORT:Lucerne Hammer Medieval polearms Military history of Switzerland

Origins

Design

Use

See also

References

External links