A Large, Exhibited European Vampire Slayer Mallet, 19th century

In the center of this impressive cross-styled mallet is the foliate face of the green man, an ancient pagan icon symbolizing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. Vampires resist plants that symbolize new life, such as roses, holly, or hawthorn so the Green Man is shown with hawthorn leaves extending the length of the t-arm. From him, flowing vines and flowers also wrap down the rounded handle. Above him is the well detailed figure of a hero in Roman dress, his left hand holding a long spear, and his left arm supporting his billowing cloak that weaves powerfully around his body in voluptuous waves. To his right, his sandaled feet stand beside a small model castle, billowing flames, upon which he pours purifying water from a bucket held in his right hand.

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 impressive example.

Medium: Wood

Dimensions: 22.5 x 9.5 x 5.5 inches (57 x 24 x 14 cm)

Condition: Intact and in very condition overall.

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