Rare Eastern European Horseman’s Flail, 17th C

Description

Contrary to popular belief and movie portrayals, the flail was not a commonly used weapon in Medieval and Renaissance Europe, and when it was used, it was primarily a weapon of the infantry rather than a mounted knight. This example, likely of Hungarian origin, features a 33” (84 cm) round wood shaft and hand-forged iron fittings. The ball of the flail is of fluted pear shape, 2 1/4” (57 mm) long with integrally forged loop, attached to 8 links of chain and a ring which is attached to an iron loop at the end of the shaft. The loop has its ends flattened to conform to the shape of the shaft and is attached with a pair of rivets. There is an upturned hook of twisted iron with integrally forged cap attached to the shaft 8 1/2” (21.6 cm) below the upper end of the shaft, possibly used as a belt hook, to entrap an opponent’s sword blade, or to attach the last link of the chain to keep it secure when not in use. The lower end of the shaft features a 5 ¼” (133 mm) long cap crudely forged from sheet iron. Iron parts showing hammer marks and pitting; the wood shaft is sound with scattered dents. A scarce piece, likely carried by 17^th C Hungarian cavalry.