The Mace

1895

The mace was originally a potent weapon of offense, originating doubtless in that earliest and most common weapon, the wooden club. It was an essential part of a knight's accouterment, being useful at close quarters. For ready convenience it was hung at his saddle bow. Says an ancient poem:

And with his heavy mase of stele
Then he gave the kying his dele.

The besague and baston were varied forms of the mace. The mace used on horseback was a small weapon, usually of steel. That used on foot was much longer and commonly of wood, with head armed with iron rings and spikes. It was carried by the escort of magistrates and others as a ready protection against violence. As society quieted down and its original use fell into abeyance, the thing assumed the ornamental appearance it now has, it now being carried in a mere honorary form. — Notes and Queries.