Medieval mace, 19th century ?

BBking · 3rd February 2022, 05:04 PM

Hello dear members,

It's my first post

I follow the activity since a long time and I created my account because I have few interesting pieces to share and I want to participate.

I have this steel mace,
a gothic model ??

I don't think it's a real medieval but it must be not a recent made piece.
Maybe french VioletLeDuc period ??

I don't know if it's cast steel ??

It's a bit heavy I think for combat use: 1,6 kg

the shaft seems made of one piece, just at the end there is a ''rosace'' who can roll on his structure and seems old made.

I'd like your advice please: I don't really like the black patina,
seems a little like anti-rust paint on it, maybe it's genuine ??

Do you think It's a good idea to put all the piece in vinegar for a long time and try to find the original steel color
or it's better to leave it like that ?!

Thank you !!

awdaniec666 · 4th February 2022, 12:38 AM

Hello BBking!
I am not into maces but can tell you that I have seen similar pieces on Hermann Historica auctions going as "Historism from the 19th century". I cannot rate this sadly.

As for the "Patina": I would leave it as it is to be honest. If it indeed is in any kind rust-preventing, then you would end up with a blank steel mace without any pitting which would look very artificial. My opinion.

If you still would want to go for revealing the plain steel, you could age it artificially afterwards with acid or (brace yourself) mustard to give it a older look after cleaning the black stuff, whatever it is.

A nice piece for hanging over the fireplace at home nethertheless

BBJW · 4th February 2022, 04:25 AM

I believe this is a Victorian decoration. Popular at time.- bbjw

BBking · 4th February 2022, 09:26 AM

Hello,

Thank you awdaniec and bbjw for your answers,

Thank you for the Hermann Historica link,
I found it, indeed the same without the black patina (and without the end rosette and ball )
what do you think they intend saying late gothic mace - historicism ?
a date around 1800-1850 can be ok ??

sure not the price of medieval one,
but I'm surprised to see that sold price was not cheap,
( price without commision, fees...)
and Hermann Historica is a serious Auction House and I think the buyer's too.

mine hopefully not that high

fernando · 4th February 2022, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBking

... what do you think they intend saying late gothic mace - historicism ?
a date around 1800-1850 can be ok ??..

You might invert the title into "historicism mace in the late gothic style".
Discussion over specific prices not to be held here, by the way

.

BBking · 4th February 2022, 12:44 PM

Ok !
Thank you

awdaniec666 · 5th February 2022, 01:25 AM

Hermann Historica is a good auction house, although I have been said their viking and medival swords are sometimes... critical. Not my topic so I have no idea.

This linked thread represents "high class provenance" and auction behaviour in a educational sense I guess. Maybe it´s of use to you, BBking:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=20876

3rd February 2022, 05:04 PM	#1
BBking Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Posts: 66	Medieval mace, 19th century ? Hello dear members, It's my first post I follow the activity since a long time and I created my account because I have few interesting pieces to share and I want to participate. I have this steel mace, a gothic model ?? I don't think it's a real medieval but it must be not a recent made piece. Maybe french VioletLeDuc period ?? I don't know if it's cast steel ?? It's a bit heavy I think for combat use: 1,6 kg the shaft seems made of one piece, just at the end there is a ''rosace'' who can roll on his structure and seems old made. I'd like your advice please: I don't really like the black patina, seems a little like anti-rust paint on it, maybe it's genuine ?? Do you think It's a good idea to put all the piece in vinegar for a long time and try to find the original steel color or it's better to leave it like that ?! Thank you !! Attached Images

4th February 2022, 12:38 AM	#2
awdaniec666 Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: Central Europe Posts: 167	Hello BBking! I am not into maces but can tell you that I have seen similar pieces on Hermann Historica auctions going as "Historism from the 19th century". I cannot rate this sadly. As for the "Patina": I would leave it as it is to be honest. If it indeed is in any kind rust-preventing, then you would end up with a blank steel mace without any pitting which would look very artificial. My opinion. If you still would want to go for revealing the plain steel, you could age it artificially afterwards with acid or (brace yourself) mustard to give it a older look after cleaning the black stuff, whatever it is. A nice piece for hanging over the fireplace at home nethertheless Last edited by awdaniec666; 4th February 2022 at 12:41 AM. Reason: added artificial aging info

4th February 2022, 09:26 AM	#4
BBking Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Posts: 66	Hello, Thank you awdaniec and bbjw for your answers, Thank you for the Hermann Historica link, I found it, indeed the same without the black patina (and without the end rosette and ball ) what do you think they intend saying late gothic mace - historicism ? a date around 1800-1850 can be ok ?? sure not the price of medieval one, but I'm surprised to see that sold price was not cheap, ( price without commision, fees...) and Hermann Historica is a serious Auction House and I think the buyer's too. mine hopefully not that high Attached Images

4th February 2022, 04:25 AM	#3
BBJW Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Idaho, USA Posts: 228	I believe this is a Victorian decoration. Popular at time.- bbjw

4th February 2022, 12:44 PM	#6
BBking Member Join Date: Jan 2022 Posts: 66	Ok ! Thank you

5th February 2022, 01:25 AM	#7
awdaniec666 Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: Central Europe Posts: 167	Hermann Historica is a good auction house, although I have been said their viking and medival swords are sometimes... critical. Not my topic so I have no idea. This linked thread represents "high class provenance" and auction behaviour in a educational sense I guess. Maybe it´s of use to you, BBking: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=20876