Very Antique 'Morning Star' or 'Mangual' in Good Condition. Circa 1500

This stunning medieval weapon is a morning star flail, a type of mace dated between the 14th and 15th centuries. This is a really impressive and authentic piece: it is a real weapon, not a decorative item. It dates from the Middle Age and preserves all its original component parts. The iron parts show no welds: all of them are made on a blacksmiths anvil. The ironwork is really amazing and will surely shine in the collection of any lover of weapons, history and war antiques. The surname of the flail, morning star, dates from the Middle Age. The morning star first came into use around the beginning of the 15th century, particularly in Germany where it was known as Morgenstern. Though these weapons are mainly medieval, the Greek mythology contains some examples just like the spiked ball carried by demigod Hercules. The name morning star refers to the similarity of the spiked ball to the mentioned stars with its flashes The piece that we can see in these images is composed of a thick wooden rod connected to a length of chain that ends in a spiked iron ball. The ball or sphere is made of forged iron and the spikes come directly from its surface, with no welds or connections. The same happens with the chains links and the piece that connects it to the wooden rod. This is made of solid wood and shows an evident wear due to the use and the weapons ancient age. It also shows signs of woodworm attack, currently neutralized. Maybe in the past, it was covered with leather straps, to facilitate gripping. As stunning as authentic, this medieval weapon will draw anyones attention in any room or wall. Measurements: Total Length (Ball + Chain+Rod): 38.9 in / 99 cm. Ball + Chain Length: 22 in / 56 cm.