Hellboy, Holy Lance

replica movie prop

The spear that pierced Christ's side as he hung on the cross, as described in the Gospel of John, has gone by many names, including the Spear of Destiny, Spear of Christ, Holy Spear, and Lance of Longinus (after the Roman centurion who wielded it.) Rumored to bear great mystical powers, the Holy Lance has been sought by many over the centuries, including the Emperors Charlemagne and Constantine, as well as Adolph Hitler.

Of the many ancient relics claimed to be the Holy Lance, the spear Agent Myers finds sequestered at BPRD Headquarters is perhaps the most famous and certainly the most dramatic. Known as the Vienna Lance or Hofburg Spear, and bearing a wired-in iron pin claimed to be a nail from the crucifixion, this weapon has been in the possession of the Holy Roman Emperors since at least the 10th Century. It was actually confiscated and hidden by the Nazis during WWII, subsequently found and returned to Austria by General Patton himself after the war. (Although some believe that the one returned was a fake, and that a secret Nazi society still retains the actual Spear of Destiny, no doubt putting it to nefarious use.)

Full size all metal replica. Blade plated and aged to simulate ancient iron. Hand-wrapped wire secures the nail, braided identically to the original artifact. Inscription "LANCEA ET CLAVUS DOMINI" (Lance and Nail of the Lord) debossed on the sleeve. Drilled base can be fitted to a wooden shaft.

By Indy Magnoli.

Note that the Spear of Destiny that figures prominently in the movie Constantine is slightly different from this replica, the prop as seen in Hellboy, and the original Vienna Lance.