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Details / Information for Battle Axe

Battle Axe

late 1500s

Italy, late 16th Century

Medium
steel, inset with copper rosette
Measurements
Blade: 8.3 cm (3 1/4 in.); Head: 27.3 cm (10 3/4 in.)
Weight: 420 g (14.82 oz.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Severance 1916.1599
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The haft or wooden handle of this axe is missing.

Description

The axe has been a favorite weapon in Europe for as long as armor has been worn. Although it was useful as a simple tool for chopping, battle axes could become a way of expressing personal style. They could be decorated and embellished without impeding their function. Inset into this axe head is a copper rosette.
A steel battle axe is oriented horizontally. To the right, a wedge-shaped blade flares with a curved edge, showing a copper floral motif inlaid at its center. The middle is a blocky, ridged rectangular section crowned with a spherical knob. To the left, a long spike with four deep grooves curves gracefully downward to a point. Polished gray metal reflects a cool light, accented by scattered dark spots across the surface.

Battle Axe

late 1500s

Italy, late 16th Century

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