Medieval Eastern Europe, ca. 7th to 10th century CE. A large, heavy, iron axe head, probably from a francisca, a specific type of throwing axe, with (as here) a distinctive arch-shaped head that flattens into a two-pointed blade; the head forms an obtuse angle with the socket, which is wide, designed to fit a relatively short, tapered haft. The blade has stamped designs of exes and curved lines that may have indicated ownership or the workshop where it was made. They were thrown into a melee, and even if the blade did not strike flesh, the heavy weight of the iron would splinter shields or deal serious head injuries and cause chaos. These types of weapons were famously described by the Byzantine historian Procopius to describe the fighting style of the Franks, but we know that they were used throughout the Germanic medieval world. This particular example was found in the great early medieval trading city of Kiev, which at the time was controlled by the Rus. Fans of the greatest real-time strategy computer game, Age of Empires II, will recognize the francisca as the signature weapon of the Franks' castle unit. Size: 7.75" W x 4.65" H (19.7 cm x 11.8 cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private Colorado Springs, CO collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#117321

Corrosion to edge of blade, but shape, including stamped designs, is clear.