A rare Ottoman warhammer also known as ‘Kulunk’. The finely-wrought steel head of characteristic form with rounded, blunt hammer and curved back-spike. Inlaid overall in silver with vine and floral motifs pointing together with the Ottoman ‘Tamga’. The wooden shaft is covered in brown coloured canvas decorated with silver wire.

The silver inlay is well visable and nicely done. The motifs resemble typical Ottoman style depicting flowers in cartouches. The hammer is revited to the shaft and covered with a brass ring.

Warhammers were mainly used by cavalry to crush the enemy’s armour with the hammer or to pierce through with the spike causing lethal injuries. These hammers were mostly worn as side arm next to a sword.

Conclusion:
A fine scarce example with fine silver inlay. Absolutely suitable for collectors of Ottoman weaponry.

Condition: Very good, silver inlay mostly intact, some loss on the front of the hammer and handle. Further excellent.

Dimensions:
Length: 59cm
Shaft: 56.8cm
Hammer: 21cm long

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright by Peter Andeweg – 2020