The pole-hammer (German: Streithammer)
was one of the most ancient Teutonic weapons. According to
legend, their supreme deity
wielded such a weapon. From the 13th century, pole-hammers were
used all over Europe. A pole-hammer blow could pierce not only chain mail, but also
a helm or plate mail. A pole-hammer is used much like a mace, but is better balanced,
and thus always more effective than a mace.
