War Hammer 15th century Italian Weapons of this type were used in the combat on foot as a display of prowess, or in a judicial combat to terminate some personal quarrel. Such foot combats were fought according to rules. For example, the number of strokes would be arranged, i.e. twelve with the axe, and as many with the sword, and with the dagger. The opponents were well protected with armor, so that even when hammering at each other with these formidable weapons death seldom occurred, and even injuries were rare.. War Hammer. Italian. 15th century. Steel, wood (oak). Shafted Weapons