Head of a "Bearded" Axe

Culturepossibly English

Date1100–1350

Mediumiron

Dimensions19.7 × 18.4 cm (7 3/4 × 7 1/4 in.), 2 lb (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.675

Description1-piece iron. Rectangular socket drawn out slightly at top & bottom ends perpendicular to plane of blade, with near-flat butt. Short shank, of stout oblong section, & curves out along unsharpened back edges of blade. This is irregularly-triangular in form with slightly convex cutting edge having broad, blunt point at top & elongated on its lower half, terminated in truncated "beard."

The axe is nearly identical to an example in the Museum of London (no. 32.55) recovered from the Thames at London Bridge (see London Museum catalogue cited), and that sold as part of lot 145 in the Curtis sale (see References above).
ProvenanceDr. Bashford Dean, Riverdale, New York. Purchased by John W. Higgins at the American Art Association, New York on November 23, 1928, as lot 169. Given to the Armory on December 26, 1946. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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