So I picked up this baby recently. I'm actually a History graduate and as a result everyone's first question is 'So what sort of axe is it? Who would have used it?'
Whilst I did study medieval history I didn't study weapons in depth... so can anyone tell me what they think this is based off? I'm well aware it might not be typical of any particular region or period but I'd like to know either way. Basically does this axe resemble any actual historical weapon or is it simply a product of modern imagination?
On the point of scale - the handle is just over 4ft long.
Any help much appreciated!
[EDIT] - Reworded to make question clearer.
It looks like what is usually called a 'Dane Axe' or 'Bearded Axe', which is a kind of battle-axe common throughout northern Europe in the early medieval period.
I think the specific design with a flat top (a 'Petersen type C', if I've got my terminology right) was most popular around the eighth to tenth century; later dane axes tend to be more symmetrical, with a curve upwards at the top of the blade, possibly to make them capable of inflicting wounds with a jab or for pushing weapons aside, while earlier ones were generally a bit smaller and lacked the long 'beard' at the bottom.
