A Large, Exhibited European Vampire Slayer Stake and Hammer Set, 19th century

Carved from a beautiful rich brown mahogany, this vampire slayer set features two long, rectangular stakes, the front carved in raised relief portraying two guardian figures above the foliate face of the green man, an ancient pagan icon symbolizing the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, carved in raised relief. Vampires resist plants that symbolize new life, such as roses, holly, or hawthorn so the Green Man is shown with hawthorn leaves extending down to the tapered deadly point. Together with a large mallet in the form of a cross, the heavy head features double rounded ends and is centered with the bust of a female figure, the top of the handled decorated with embossed leather secured by brass studs. 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 large, heavy and impressive set.

Medium: Wood, leather, brass

Dimensions: Hammer: 25.5 x 11.5 x 5.5 (65 x 29 x 14 cm); Stakes: 29 x 3.5 x 3.5 (74 x 9 x 9 cm)

Condition: Intact and in very good condition overall.

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