CELEBRITY AXE - Saxony, Germany - Late 17th – early 18th century

CELEBRITY AXE also called CARPENTER'S or MINER'S CORPORATION AXE
Saxony, Germany
End of the 17th – beginning of the 18th century
Wood, bone, antler and wrought iron
Length: 78; L.: 22; Thickness: 3.5 cm
(restorations and old accidents)

Flat, single-edged axe head, stamped with five workman's marks and extending into a blunt spike. Perforated three times with a trefoil and cups, and fitted with an oval socket with a stop and oval sides.
Fruitwood handle entirely inlaid with bone and antler inserts cut into pellets, rods, and rectangular cartridges riveted with small iron nails. Engraved inserts depicting different stages of the miner's work, bearing different tools, including picks or hammers.
Pommel carved from a section of finely engraved, bent antler finished in a knob. Animated on both sides by two miners bearing the coat of arms of Saxony.

Text and photos © FCP CORIDON

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