Battle Axe
Culture
European
Datepossibly 1200s
Mediumiron, wood
Dimensions97.2 × 15.2 × 15.6 cm (38 1/4 × 6 × 6 1/8 in.), 1 lb, 12 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.436
DescriptionHead of steely iron, blade asymmetrically crescentic, with convex cutting edge. Pointed basal terminal opposed by rounded end. Strong rectangular shank with simple engraved lines & "X"s at socket. This is rather oval, with flat back & drawn out in rounded cusps above & below; the latter being deeper. Restored long wood oval section haft, tapering to flat butt. Remmants of dealer's tag adhered to reverse near head.
Label TextMilitary and civilian axes can sometimes be hard to distinguish. The relatively light, thin blade on this example is actually an indicator of military use--staff weapons generated considerable power from the length of the staff, and required little weight at the head.ProvenancePurchased by the Museum on June 5, 1930 from Ernst Schmidt (Munich, Germany). Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
On viewCollections
Michel Witz the Younger
1530s
Southern German
about 1550