Brief Description:  The shestopyor (from Russian shest' meaning "six" and pero meaning "feather") is an Eastern European flanged mace, first developed in the 12th century. Also known as a pernach, its distinctive "feathers" (rigid metal flanges) were designed to concentrate the force of a blow and punch directly through medieval plate armor and chainmail.

Anatomy of the Shestopyor:

The Head (The Feathers): The striking end consists of 6 rigid metal flanges welded or forged around a central iron or steel shaft. These flanges resemble the fletching of an arrow, hence the term "feather".

The Shaft: Traditionally constructed from forged iron or reinforced steel, sometimes entirely of one piece with the head. It featured a wrapped leather, cord, or wooden grip to absorb impact and prevent slipping.

The Pommel: The handle typically ends in a flared, rounded, or decorative pommel to ensure the wielder's hand did not fly off the weapon during a sweeping strike or when pulling it back from a strike.

Length and Weight: Averaged 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 cm) long and weighed roughly 2 to 4 pounds (1 to 1.8 kg), allowing for swift, devastating one-handed strikes.