2-740-252 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Seven-Flanged Mace, c. 1540-1550. The mace was primarily a weapon for mounted warriors in both actual combat and courtly contests. For this reason it was regarded as a knightly weapon. Arming oneself with a mace had gradually taken on significance among the nobility and commanding officers. It eventually came to be considered a badge of rank, as this decorated example certainly was, to be carried by its owner in parades and other ceremonial occasions.