Wednesday, April 9, 2014

H Is For Hauberk...

Well, today's armor should be rather well known. Most people know what a Hauberk is, even if they don't read a lot of fantasy.

Then again, I could be wrong.

So here are the entries for today's letter:
Hauberk

Hauberk ~ Mail shirt with sleeves reaching to the mid-thigh.

Hounskull
Hounskull ~ This one isn't so well known: A hounskull was a form of steel helmet worn in Europe in the Middle Ages, almost invariably by knights and other mounted men-at-arms, from the middle of the 14th century until approximately 1420. It offered extensive protection for the wearer's face at the cost of some visibility, but its distinctive visor could be raised or lowered at will.

Horseman's Pick
Horseman's Pick ~ The horseman's pick was a weapon used by cavalry during the Middle Ages in Europe. This was a type of war hammer that had a very long spike on the reverse of the hammer head. Usually, this spike was slightly curved downwards, much like a miner's pickaxe. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with war hammer. A metal-made horseman's pick called "nadziak" was one of the main weapons of the famous Polish winged hussars. A weapon of late make, the horseman's pick was developed by the English and used by their heavy Billmen, a unit of heavy infantry. It was used with great success during the Hundred Years War. A use of the horseman's pick was to tear men from their mounts.
Halberd

Halberd ~ A halberd (also called halbard, halbert or Swiss voulge) is a two-handed pole weapon that came to prominent use during the 14th and 15th centuries.

So that is your lesson for the day in medieval weapons and armor. I hope this sheds some light on what's been used AND gives you an idea of things not frequently used. Happy blogging!



5 comments:

Bonnie Gwyn said...

Followed you! :) I love learning about the medieval times and weapons. Good luck with the rest of the A-Z :)
http://bonniegwyn.blogspot.com/

Mel Chesley said...

Thank you! I love sharing about this stuff. :D

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

The halberd is wicked. Although I bet one could do a lot of damage with a horseman's pick.

Anonymous said...

Always wondered about the head inside a Hounskull - long nose? Actually makes sense as a design as a weapon would slide off the helm.

Mel Chesley said...

@ Alex ~ I think the horseman's pick would be an interesting weapon to bring into fantasy. I have yet to read about one.

@ Roland ~ I agree on the design. But could you imagine having someone headbutt you in that? Ouch!