Czekan (war axe)
Culture
Eastern European
Datelate 1500s
Mediumwood, steel, leather, brass, gilding and silver
Dimensions79 × 17 cm (31 1/8 × 6 11/16 in.), 3 lb, 8 oz (weight)
ClassificationsArms and Armor
Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection
Object number2014.439
DescriptionLarge steel head with "bearded" axe blade having gently convex cutting edge, opposed by strong octagonal section hammerhead with flat striking face. Hexagonal section socket prolonged in long cusps on obverse & reverse. Long wooden haft, covered in black leather sewn up along cutting edge faces.
At both ends are cylindical, decorative mounts of gilded & silvered brass, engraved & punched with arabesque strapwork, fruit & figural heads.
ProvenanceEdward Hubbard Litchfield collection purchased by Museum from Herb Glass (Bullville, NY) on April 22, 1952. Paid $40 for lot which included HAM# 3006 and HAM# 3396. Collection transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.
On View
Not on viewCollections
about 1680
