Ottoman? Flanged Mace.

[Jim McDougall]

Hi Norman,
Im very much inclined to follow with Chris and Gav's well supported views on this mace. As cited in the 'Arts of the Muslim Knight' (p.235), "...the mace, perhaps because of its ancient associations, acquired a legendary quality second only to swords amongst the Islamic world".
Many of these derived from the 'amud', an iron baton with an integral head, many early examples zoomorphic. These were very much associated not only in the combat sense but as processional and ceremonial symbols.
It seems that many Ottoman forms had a bulbous, fluted head and that these seem to have become largely in similar forms with Eastern Europe in particular. Naturally various types with these kinds of flanges were well known in medieval Europe and the interpolation of weapon forms between East and West is well known.
As has been pointed out similar decorative motif is seen on Indian arms and seems to correspond to various examples attributed to that sphere.

All the best,
Jim