Original Austro-Hungarian WWI Trench Raiding Club - Similar Example in Volume II of “At Arms Length: Trench Clubs and Maces” by David F. Machnicki
In stock
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Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a well-used and damaged example of a First World War trench club as used by the Austro-Hungarian Army. Featuring 12 blunt pyramidal-shaped points symmetrically arranged, this was a meticulously-designed weapon meant for repeated use in an unforgiving environment. This exact model of trench club was used in a 1916 Italian postcard depicting “German Civilization”. A very similar example was featured on Page 21 of “At Arms Length: Trench Clubs and Maces” Vol. II by David F. Machnicki. This is not the exact example seen in the book, but it is the same model.
The entry on the book page reads:
“This Austrian trench club was manufactured by using a single piece of turned wood and a die cast iron head. The club's length approximates 530 mm and has a mass of 780 grams. The handle has suffered severe damage in having a long crack two-thirds the way along the length of the club. The club's head was affixed to its handle by using two, 11 mm diameter flat-headed nails hammered through the center of the iron head and into the handle's base. Twelve blunt pyramidal-shaped points were symmetrically arranged in a pattern of three alternating rows (4 points per row) around the circumference of the head. The handle tapers toward its rounded pommel to form its smooth surface grip. Approximately 146 mm above the pommel is a 9.0 mm hole that was drilled for the attachment of its lanyard.”
This example shows heavy damage with cracking and woodworm holes in the shaft. The head is attached at two separate points but is now a bit loose to the shaft. There is a correct depth at the top of the head before the shaft starts, which is also visible in the example on the postcard.
At the same location of the lanyard on the postcard example is a hole filled with the remains of the original lanyard, stuck inside. What a great detail that further confirms this as a period and field-used example. It is roughly 21” long.
This is one of the most “been-there” clubs we have ever offered, sure to become the centerpiece of any WWI collection!
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