490839 Seven-flanged mace, c.1540-50 (gilded russet steel) by Italian School, (16th century); 64.5x11.4 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, OH, USA; (add.info.: The mace was primarily a weapon for mounted warriors in both actual combat and courtly contests. For this reason it was regarded as a knightly weapon. Arming oneself with a mace had gradually taken on significance among the nobility and commanding officers. It eventually came to be considered a badge of rank, as this decorated example certainly was, to be carried by its owner in parades and other ceremonial occasions.); Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance; Italian, out of copyright.