Seven-Flanged Mace, c. 1540-1550. The mace was primarily a weapon for mounted warriors in both actual combat and courtly contests. For this reason it was regarded as a knightly weapon. Arming oneself with a mace had gradually taken on significance among the nobility and commanding officers. It eventually came to be considered a badge of rank, as this decorated example certainly was, to be carried by its owner in parades and other ceremonial occasions.

---

Size: 1324px × 2048px
Photo credit: © Heritage Images / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: 16th, ?, armor, arms, art, century, chiseled, cleveland, decoration, foliate, gilded, heritage, italy, museum, russet, steel, unknown