EUROPEAN EXECUTIONER'S AXE C.1600

35 1/8” haft length. 7 5/8” depth of the backswept crescent form head. The haft with slightly expanded butt and showing good glossy patina. Head showing its black forged finish with scattered pin point pitting, but crisp, not worn as would be a working axe. Large proportions and heavy weight which allowed the axe to gain sufficient inertia for the cut with minimal downward force, thus maximizing control for accuracy. Virtually every town in Europe was equipped with such an axe in the 15th-17th century after which the sword was utilized, though the axe was still reserved for nobility. Evidently, the severed head remains alive for a short while and at least one record exists of a man calling to the victim who rolled his eyes to meet those of the caller. Speech would be impossible as it requires a functionally respiratory system.