A Large, Exhibited European Vampire Slayer Stake and Mallet Set, Late 19th century - early 20th century

Carved from a beautiful rich brown mahogany, this vampire slayer set features two long, intricately carved stakes, with smooth, fluted handles surmounted by the bronze finial of a seated cherub, the body, with large, incised gilt cross, that tapers to a deadly point. Together with a large cross-styled mallet, the heavy head features double rounded ends, surmounted by a seated bronze cherub, an incised gilt cross that matches the stakes, on the fluted, turned handle. A large, heavy, and impressive set.

Until the early 20th century, many people believed vampire stories were true. Across cultures and continents, the powers of vampire-like ghouls were blamed for phenomena for which there was no medical explanation, such as the spread of disease or what happens to the human body after death. One of the 19th century’s most intriguing mysteries involves the. manufacturing and selling of vampire-slaying accouterments. People could choose the necessities to vanquish vampires: stakes, knives, hammers, crucifixes, bibles, and holy water. While the origins of this vampire equipment continue to be shrouded in mystery, recent historical evidence suggests that such tools became popular in Western Europe after Bram Stroker published his novel “Dracula” in 1897, captivating audiences with romantic tales of gothic horror. Individuals who were superstitious about traveling to Eastern Europe would only embark on the journey if they were armed with vampire-slaying essentials, such as this rare impressive set.

Medium: Wood, brass, gilt

Dimensions: Hammer Size: 25'' x 13'' x 5.5'' (64 x 33 x 14 cm); Stakes: 27.75'' x 2.5'' x 2.5'' (70 x 6 x 6 cm)

Condition:  Intact and in excellent condition overall.

Provenance: Deaccessioned from the Vampire & Paranormal Museum Collection (VPMC), Lambertville, New Jersey, thereafter a private NJ collection.