The use of maces in battle was quite common during the Middle Ages, as the weapon was quite inexpensive to produce. Many of the maces on display in museums today are highly decorated for this reason. Though a mace is just a type of club, the image of the spiked mace is what comes to mind for most people.
A deadly effective spiked mace is the flanged mace. The metal flanges, protruding edges of metal, allowed the wielder to pierce through even the thickest metal armor. In 12th century Kievan Russia the Pernach was developed. It featured six flanges and became popular across Europe for its ability to pierce plate armor and chainmail.
The Halberd is one of the most effective and well designed weapons of the Medieval era. It is a fabulous weapon for displaying your colors or herald. It is so versatile that it has been retained as a ceremonial weapon for the Swiss Honor Guard.
Its history is very short if compared to swords and armour. What is this strange weapon and what is its value?
The Halberd consists of an axe blade with a peak opposite it and it is sometimes another axe blade. There is also a long spike or blade on the end and it is mounted on a long shaft. The early forms were simple and heavy (early 13th century) but gradually became lighter and more elaborate. The shafts had long straps on them to prevent their being cut.
It was carried by sergeants in the British army until the end of the 18th century. The Swiss valued it so highly that they used in instead of the pike in their 15th century armies. Its use rapidly spread all over Europe.