Thread: 16 century axe head(possibly for killing)

I would suggest looking at medieval church carvings for similar images. They are some really strange things to be found. A common theme was the Green Man. Most times shown as a mans face with leaves for hair and beard. Hinting at pre christian fertility rites, mid summer celebrations and stuff. As for the axe it was likely for showing off if it is genuinely that old and not a modern knock off for showing off. Battle weapons tended to be workman like and practical for getting the job done.
Regards
John

Would make a lousy fighting axe. With all those indentations you would be flat out trying to get it out of the victim's noggen. Now you're up a creek without a paddle. Or, in this case, in a battle without an axe.

My opinion to it looks Mayan, Aztec. pre Columbian, cermonial axe if it is 16th century this would not be the case, could well a copy or later interpretation
what is it made from bronze, iron, steel

Matt

I don't know anything about such things. However it looks too "neat" for something that is 500 years old. Is there any sign of the eye ever having had a handle. I would lean towards a modern copy as John hinted at.

Regards
Paul

Some more suggestions have a appeared on Facebook.
The one I think that could have the most merit is it was a ceremonial axe used by French boat builders to cut the moorings of new boats during launch.
Tho as a few of you have pointed out it’s in remarkable good condition for its age.


Cheers Matt.

The ceremonial thing would fit the bill. All the old trade guilds like to hark back to ancient lore so tend to use the same symbolism as the masons left all around on buildings.
Regards
John

In terms of imagery, it looks like Saint George and the Dragon to me.

Beknighted hero stares fixedly at a cowering beast, with damsel sheltering behind him.

Basically it was a very old metaphor for the triumph of the good over the evil and godless, so was the sort of thing any self styled hero would want on their battle axe.

Not sure of course, just suggesting as a possible place to start.

I can also see a Kings crowned head with curled moustache.

Nah you have all got it wrong. Its a whats-a-name for a thingamy-bob. Plain and simple