Description
Featuring angle slightly concave axe blade with small lugs and a pattern of four punched round holes; angled rear beak with three punched round holes and the edges with a design of filed hash marks. Diamond-section 15” thrusting spike. Long integrally forged side straps and separate metal straps on the front and back sides mortised into the old (possibly original) octagonal shaft. The filed hash marks continue along the side straps and follow the edges of the spear-shaped ferrule. Length of metal 44 1/4” (112.4 cm), overall 80” (203 cm). Metal generally smooth with gunmetal gray patina and showing lamination; the shaft showing great age with scattered worming, dents, and checking.