Question about Axe Head Markings
 

Gentlemen,

A friend of mine in Bulgaria has acquired the axe head in the pictures. It has two markings: can anyone identify them? The total weight is relatively light 400 g (14 oz): any insights into what it was used for would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Teodor

Hi Teodor,
Is the blade centered with the socket eye ?
You know this is an important detail; it would immediately define it as one for timbering logs, or other carpentry work ?
Mind you, i know nothing of axes; just afford to make the above question :o

I believe it is: I will try to provide a picture of the axe head from above when I go home later today.

Teodor

Hi Teodor,

This is definitely a Late-Gothic Germanic maker's mark on the blade, 15th/early 16th century; the symbol in the left-hand corner is a stylized antler which is also found as part of similar marks on contemporary South German/Bavarian cranequins and barrels! The one on the right seems to be a characteristic incendiary arrow pictured on the way of going down onto the shingle roofs of a medieval city or town! The symbol in top seems to be an arrow or crossbolw bolt head with an extension at the rear for sticking it into a hole in the haft, which is more rarely to find than tiller heads.

I need to see a good close-up of the socket mark ...

Anyway, I should call this fighting axe head a very fine and important piece marked with war symbols - what more can you expect?! :cool: :eek:

My congrats!


Best,
Michael

Michael,

First of all, glad to see you back here and hope your recovery is proceeding well.

Thank you for taking the time to comment on this item: my friend will be extremely happy with your ID. I will try to get a better picture of the socket mark, but it may take me a few days.

Thanks again,
Teodor

Here is hopefully a better picture of the mark below the socket. I am also attaching a picture of the axe head from above, showing that the blade is centered with the socket eye.

Are there any pictures of existing examples or in contemporary art that can show how the haft looked like?

Thank you,
Teodor