Steigerhacke (ceremonial miner's axe)
Culture
German
, Saxony
Date1700s
Mediumiron, wood and bone
Dimensions24.1 × 83.8 × 28.6 cm (9 1/2 × 33 × 11 1/4 in.), 2 lb, 8 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.435
DescriptionTall iron, irregularly L-shaped blade with balustered terminal. Face is pierced by a slipped trefoil & 2 groups of holes oblique to trefoil. On obverse face, lower corner nearest the integral, offset closed socket stamped with a triangular group of 3 hearts. Blade is opposed by stout, oblong peen with cross-hatched face. Short, light brown wooden haft decorated with rectangular & circular inlays of engraved & stained bone bordered by rows of plain dots, 1 lost on reverse. Back edge at head with a similarly rendered crucifix of which proper right crosspiece is restored. Butt cap of engraved horn, fitting over an oval tenon.
ProvenanceEdward Hubbard Litchfield collection purchased by Museum from Parke-Bernet Galleries, NY on December 5, 1951, sale no. 1293, lot 105. Price of $65 for lot which included HAM #3350. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
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