These have already been posted to GRRM’s blog, and to Facebook, but here they are here. The first look at the hammer prototype.
This is not final. There are some finishes that need to be applied to the head, and to the gold rings on the grip. But it is pretty close. Big. It weighs just under 10 pounds (with of course most of that concentrated at the end, which amplifies the force of a blow).
Would it be possible to get a (candid) photo of the hammer… being held or alongside one of the swords to get a sense of scale?
Eventually. Not right now though (we don’t actually have the prototype in house, that was a picture from the factory floor).
Wow, this really does look fantastic.
As asked this earlier, but is there a reason you went with the spiked face on the hammer as opposed to a flat one? Can’t remember if that’s described in the books, but was it for any design reason, or purely aesthetic?
Alex, I am certainly no expert in ancient weapons, but I can make a few assumptions about why the hammer has the “spiked” face.
First off, this hammer is much larger than “real” weaponized hammers were. That’s not really important to the question, but the increased surface area of the face of the hammer would decrease the effectiveness of the impact. It would still SUCK to get hit in the chest, or anywhere for that matter, by a hammer of that size with a flat face, but the points amplify the force by decreasing the surface area of the point, or points of impact.
This design would do far more damage to armor than the flat design would. I am pretty sure war hammers were specifically designed to defeat thick armor, so it is natural to design it in such a way that it would do its job in the best way possible.
Also, I could be wrong here, but I think the points also gave the face of the hammer more of a chance to “grip” the target rather than slide off in a glancing blow.
In the book, the hammer is pretty much just described as a “spiked iron warhammer.” I have always assumed the “spiked” part meant it had an opposing spike like the design from Valyriansteel has. The single spike would be incredibly effective against thick plate and would punch straight through if given enough momentum.
I think Jake hit the nail on the head.
Was the pun intended?
It is absolutely gorgeous.
What is the overall length expected to be?
I’ve always wanted to add a hammer to the collection but none really caught my eye on an epic scale. This is a must have though, I’ll be ordering it when the time comes although I hope to have my Damascus Longclaw and Ice first. Is there any updates on shipping? I’m sure the postal strike isn’t helping.
I know this is a bit off-topic, but I just saw Needle in the AGoT tv-show, and it appears they are not using your’s, which I thought was what was going to be used.
What is the length of this hammer?
Nope Beau, there had been discussions, but HBO decided to go a different direction (like with many other changes from the books). GRRM has stated that our swords should be considered the official designs from his mind for the books.
@Jake:
Thanks for that very detailed analysis! I assumed the same with the spike idea, but don’t get me wrong; just because I question doesn’t mean I dislike the design! Quite the opposite, in fact.
It’s AMAZING! Is there a price on it yet?
It will be priced between $220 and $270.
Is it going to require oiling?
No
This is gorgeous! As with Hollywood Raw, I’ve always wanted a warhammer but have never found one I really liked (until now). Really looking forward to this one!
I Quote “With Ice, we’ll make more damascus ones.”
Put me down for two, # 77 for one of them please!
Oh and I will be having a warhammer when available.
I wonder why the crowned stag on the side of the hammer does not match the crowned stag on the the wallplaque. The wallplaque only seems to show the head, whilst the hammer has an image that could be described as the full body? Or are those some random ornaments below the head?
Random tracery ornamentation.
i don’t suppose payment plans are an option…? i really want one! (but am a poor college student who should probably be spending money on other things)
Sorry, no, but you can always finance a purchase with a credit card.
Or heck, if you could save $10 a week, just put it in your mattress or something, you’d probably have enough in plenty of time.
It looks fine, I believe it is simmilar to HHH hammer in WWE… in size… He would love Robert’s hammer.
I think that it is too ornamented. I believe Robert’s hammer is not a beautiful, but practical armor destroyer… He is a guy that loves easy things… eating well, good fight… He should have some kind of Baratheon’s sword… made from Valyrian Steel… one he refuses to use… too delicate for him… suitable for Stannis or Renly… a sword for a knight… maybe lost…
Looks great, but since it is the prototype I offer only one criticism: Robert used his warhammer mainly during the rebellion, thus the stag was not crowned when he killed Rhaegar on the Trident. A minor detail, but your market is nerdy tough guys so it isn’t entirely a moot point.
Nope Mitch, the Baratheon’s took their sigil from the Storm Kings, it was always a crowned stag. Someone asked your exact same question on GRRM’s blog, and he pointed it out, so we can consider it gospel.
Remember, before Aegon there were 7 kings in Westeros. Some of the families, like the Tyrells, are new, but others are quite old.
When can we pre order
Sometime this fall Kathy. We’ll announce it when preordering is open.
aesthetically, the spiked hammer face seems to mimic the antlers from the stag that both point towards their mutual opponent. unintended or not i like the effect.
I can hardly wait for pre orders on this.
Gods that’s beautiful. I have always dreamed of owning the swords, but this is the first truly tempting ware on the site. As someone above me said, though, I am in college and should not be buying things like this. But still…
Anyways, my favorite weapon in the books brought to life beautifully! I hope I get to at least see one IRL at some point.
I must agree in my mind the hammer was more of a rougher weapon lacking in refinement this one has. love the spikes on the face! However looks extremely heavy how much does it weigh? I’m holding my breath for a axe being a huge fan of Danish war axes and all there bearded relatives.
Can this Hammer deflect swords if I was in battle? Is it only a decoration or is it fully functional?