Just got this honey in. The fellow had tried to auction it off several times previously at its real market value with no success. We apologised for paying a little as we did . This 16th century horsemans axe is an amazing testament to the quality of manufacture that could be produced by hand at the time. The haft of the axe is hardwood sheathed completely in four plates of steel? flush riveted throught(these appear as discolored/copper circles) . The belt hook passes throught the shaft and is flush riveted through the small shield with devices on the other side holding it in place. The handle has a slight waisting at the point where the webbing between the thumb and index finger rub from use. There is no way to do this one justice with pics it is truely amazing!

---

 Attachment: 108.58 KB

Grind marks visible on prongs. File and chisel marks visible in the detailed sections of all four quadrants.

 Attachment: 107.71 KB
Wearing at base - rubbed against armor from being hung at the belt by the belt hook. Note the rivet holding the base section on as a disclored circle in the center of the chiseled section. [ Download ]

 Attachment: 91.8 KB
I need to track down the origin of this device. This panel is held in place by the flush riveted shank of the belt hook. This flush riveting is just visible as a circle in the center of the shield. [ Download ]

 Attachment: 54.92 KB
note the belt hook by the blade. [ Download ]

 Attachment: 43.99 KB
Profile including Heraldic Device [ Download ]

Wow! :eek: That's absolutely amazing... :eek: Fantastic condition too. I can't believe the guy had trouble auctioning this thing. Luckily, though, it's now in the hands of people who can truly appreciate it. :)

OHHHHH My , Allan, you've got a quality piece there! What are the dimensions and weight? Does the seller know how it was so well preserved for so long? Was it in a museum or a private collection? Either way it's an incredible piece..... Congratulations!!!

Eric I gotta think based on the overall quality of the piece that it resided in a museum at some point (the level of maunfacturing quality certainly is deserving) although we bought it privately . Yoyr comming to faire this summer so you can get some hands on time with it (we're bringing all the toys down for the season). Length 25 1/2" weight 3 pounds even. This really has to be seen to be appreciated.

Allan,

Congratulations on a fabulous acquisition!!

Allan,

When you are ready to let this one go, you will call me, right? :D

Did you get my PM about the breast/back/ combo?