Great axe head (Peasants' Revolt), German (c 1525)

Title	Great axe head (Peasants' Revolt)
Nationality	German
Period	c 1525

Sold

MAGNIFY

This is a typical fighting axe of the type used in the Peasants' Revolt of 1525 by both sides, the Imperial troops and the Bundschuh peasants' movement. Even Martin Luther had to lend his support to suppress the revolt, which threatened the entire tranquility of the Rhineland, in particular, but also spread to Bavaria and Austria.

It measures 17 inches long and it weighs about 3 lbs. The derivation is from the Great Axe of the Middle Ages, but it also perhaps has certain similarities with the Doloire or waggoner's axe of the same period. However, this is clearly a fighting axe by virtue of the full half moon shape, something not found on agricultural use axes. These types of axes normally only turn up in Germany and Austria, sometimes found in castles. However, they are fairly rare, as distinct from the waggoner's axe on a ratio of something like 10:1.

One side has suffered rather more than the other with pitting, there being a fairly severe patch of it up towards the point. The other side is in remarkable condition for its age. There are striations visible at various points and you can see the lap weld construction of the pole socket to the axe itself.

I have had a simulacrum ash shaft made, about 5 foot long, but it can only be picked up by arrangement in London, since it is too long to post.

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

[Edged Weapons : Polearms : German : 16th Century]

online museum

account

testimonials