Scarce European War Axe/War Hammer, ca. 1600

Description

Steel head featuring angled axe blade with slightly convex 3 1/4” cutting edge, the surface with small punch-dot decoration in the form of a shooting star. The opposite end featuring rectangular hammer head with molded border. Mounting ferrule with oval eye and stepped double langets on each side with fluted decoration. Old 35” round-section hardwood haft (possibly the original) with iron base ferrule and stud. Shows age and use; the head cleaned and showing lamination, with several deep edge nicks to the blade and dents on the hammer face. Haft with dark patina and several tight cracks of the type often caused by hard impact. A true fighting axe/war hammer of good weight and balance, probably designed for two-handed use. Length of head, 8 3/4” (22.2 cm); overall 35 3/4” (90.5 cm). Probably from Eastern Europe.