This fearsome axe was made in Austria in the 1600’s. Axes similar to this one often served a dual purpose, both as a tool and as a devastating weapon on the battlefield. During peace-time, a shorter haft was attached to the blade and the axe was used for woodworking, for evening the surfaces of rough-hewn planks. But, at times of war, when the peasant soldiery was called to fight, a longer haft would be attached, and the axe was used to fell cavalry from horseback, bring down horses and to destroy the opposing army’s shield wall.
Woodworking examples of these axes have only a single bevelled edge, and the blades are off-set to one side, to facilitate the cutting of a smooth, flat surface, much like a chisel today. The axes are referred to as being right or left-handed, depending on the off-set of the blade. They also have a shorter point.
The blade on this axe is bevelled on both sides of the cutting edge and is not off-set. This, in addition to the overly long spiked point, suggests that this axe was primarily meant for use as a weapon.
The 15.5 inch / 395mm long blade has a curved cutting edge and terminates in a hatchet point. The base of the blade is 4 inches / 102mm wide and slightly concave. The shape of the blade is said to resemble a goose wing, hence the name given to the axe. The axe head is 8 inches / 205mm at its widest. The poll is 6 inches / 152mm long. This is a huge axe.
The blade has tight forge welded seams, testament to the skill of the 17th century smith. The poll is decorated with a series of crosses over a central line and the face of the axe bears a maker’s mark comprising four letter H in the shape of a cross and outlined with punched dots.
The axe is in excellent condition with a great patina and is without active rust. I have added a haft to the axe-head for display purposes.
This is an excellent example of a rare 17th Century Austrian goose-wing fighting axe. A fantastic addition to any period military collection.
