Lucerne ''Hammer''

By Crusader1307

As we have seen with Medieval Pole Arms, they were very effective in giving Ground Troops (Melee Men), the ability to engage Mounted Warriors in various types of Armor. They were considered ''equalizers'' in this regard. One of the most popular of these weapons was the the 15th Century AD ''Lucerne Hammer''. Their name ''Lucerne'' was possibly derived from their location of manufacture – Lucerne, Switzerland. The term ''Hammer'' was a common Medieval description given to such Pole Arms which featured elongated and heavy ''heads'' (resembling a workman's Hammer). The Lucerne Head was between 15 and 18-inches in length. They were made of burnished iron (often plated with steel). The lower portion of The Head featured multiple extensions, devised to hook onto Armor or Mace. As with most Pole Arms, the goal was to unhorse a Rider. Once down, either a stabbing or slashing extension was employed. The stabbing motion could be accomplished with the long (often tri-spiked) Tip (similar to a Spear point. The whole affair would be attached to a wooden Pole, between 8 and 12-feet in length. The Lucerne was not used much past the 17th Century AD, due in large part to the development of Firearms.