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, extending the user's effective range and striking power. Polearms are predominantly melee we ...
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 infantry, foot soldiers and cavalry. It is a very old weapon and gave its name, owing to its constant use, to Judas Maccabeus, Judah Maccabee, a 2nd-century ...
.
Origins
The weapon originates from Switzerland, and the name comes from a discovery of many of these weapons in
Lucerne
Lucerne ( ) or Luzern ()Other languages: ; ; ; . is a city in central Switzerland, in the Languages of Switzerland, German-speaking portion of the country. Lucerne is the capital of the canton of Lucerne and part of the Lucerne (district), di ...
, Switzerland.
Design
The hammer-part of the Lucerne hammer is a three-to-four-pronged head mounted atop a long 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 (Commonwealth English) or armor (American English; see American and British English spelling differences#-our, -or, spelling differences) is a covering used to protect an object, individual, or vehicle from physical injury or damage, e ...
. 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.
See also
*
Poleaxe
The poleaxe (also poleax, pollaxe and other similar spellings) is a European polearm that was used by medieval infantry.
Etymology
Most etymological authorities consider the ''poll''- prefix historically unrelated to "pole", instead meaning " ...
*
Swiss arms and armour
References
External links
Spotlight: The Medieval Poleaxe by Alexi Goranov
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lucerne Hammer
European weapons
Medieval polearms
Medieval weapons
Military history of Switzerland