Indian Mace

[estcrh]

How maces like this were used, who used them and when is clearly up for debate. There are quite a few examples, no matter what, you have to admit that they are an aggressive looking weapon, maybe thats the point of them.

[estcrh]

Here is a reference to Indian spiked maces from "Weapon: A Visual History of Arms and Armor", Oct 2, 2006. I have no idea were this info came from originally.

Spiked mace. "The grip of the spikes prevented curved armor from deflecting blows."


Another reference from "Arms and Armour: Traditional Weapons of India", E. Jaiwant Paul, 2005.

"The spiked mace was particularly effective against the helmet."

[trajan]

multi spike maces with khanda hilts

[trajan]

2 ball hilt maces..note the larger size as compared to example mace.

[Iliad]

Hi Guys,
I am absolutely thrilled to have sparked such an interesting exchange of views!
Just a thought about the possibility that the spikes may cause the mace to be stuck in the victim and therefore be wrenched out of the hand of the wielder, and therefore the spiked mace being unsuitable as a weapon: what then about a Lance? It seems to my tiny mind that a Lance being thrust through the body of a 200 pound man would be much more likely to be stuck and be wrenched from the hand of the horseman? If so, then a Lance is unsuitable as a weapon and must therefore be a "Parade" item and of no practical use?
If I was confronted with someone wielding a mace like mine, I would not be merely "intimidated", I would be absolutely terrified!! But then, I am not very brave, I am a little whitehaired old man who has spent a lifetime behind a desk!
I am so glad to have posted this thread and I treasure every viewpoint.
Regards,
Brian

[estcrh]

trajan, nice collection of maces, I really like the one on the far right with both flages and spikes.

[ariel]

Rational weapon design was never a strong point of Indial military tradition.
The entire Elgood's book is one great exposition of the mystical and symbolical side of Indian weapons.
No matter how bizarre and impractical is an example of Indian sword, mace or dagger, it is quite likely to be "real".

Perhaps, only Central African examples can compete:-)

[Emanuel]

With regards to the flanged maces, while I agree that they focus the force of the impacts into a smaller point of contact, the fancy spiral ones have very thin flanges. They may be sharpened to an edge, but they are flimsy, therefore not at all suited against armour or anything but the softest targets.

Thick un-sharpened flanges are more effective than, thin sharp ones.

Originally Posted by estcrh

Here is a reference to Indian spiked maces from "Weapon: A Visual History of Arms and Armor", Oct 2, 2006. I have no idea were this info came from originally.
...

"The spiked mace was particularly effective against the helmet."