Double-edged Byzantine fighting axe, Greek (15th century)

Title	Double-edged Byzantine fighting axe
Nationality	Greek
Period	15th century
Price	£1600.00

MAGNIFY

This extremely rare axe is similar in shape, but much larger in size, to one found on the Kosovo battlefield (1448), photographed in a Serbian catalogue on Kosovo battlefield finds (see photos). This type would have been carried by a large person, quite possibly in the Varangian Guard of the emperor of Byzantium.

The Varangian Guard typically consisted of Scandinavians, then, after 1066, Englishmen and, finally, assorted Viking and Russian elements. The small blade is heavily scored - showing extensive use against armour. You would never find scars of this nature on a wood axe.

The large main fighting blade (8 inches) would have been used to bring a horse down and the armour piercing rear blade for dealing with armoured knights. The total length of the axe is 14 inches. It would have been carried on a five foot wooden shaft, much in the manner of a Western pole axe. It weighs about two kilos.

I have never seen one of these before in 35 years of dealing. Truly the mother of all fighting axes! It was found in Bulgaria and, from the patina, I would presume that, rather than being a ground find, it has been lovingly preserved in someone's house or possibly barn.

(With regard to the illustration in the Serbian catalogue, I am afraid they used rather cheap, thin paper, so the images from the other side of the page show through.)

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Edged Weapons : Polearms : Greek : 15th Century]

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