Horseman's 16th century Battle Axe

A Senefelder · 5th December 2012, 08:34 PM

This is an all steel horsemans axe of later 16th or earlier 17th century type that I used to own. It is of the type commonly seen in Western Europe and includes a belt hook. It is not particularlly long as I recall perhaps 20 inches which indicates to me that it was not necessarilly meant for downward strokes at opponents on the ground ( this would cause the rider to bend down in a somewhat awkward manner to do so which a longer sword would not ) but for use against a level opponent, ie. another mounted man. I would be currious to know the dimenstions of the original axe posted as the pic does give it the impression of being somewhat long in the haft. The fluke/backspike on this example was not only pointed but actually sharpened meaning that the edges of the fluke had been sharpened to an edge.

5th December 2012, 08:34 PM	#14
A Senefelder Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 214	This is an all steel horsemans axe of later 16th or earlier 17th century type that I used to own. It is of the type commonly seen in Western Europe and includes a belt hook. It is not particularlly long as I recall perhaps 20 inches which indicates to me that it was not necessarilly meant for downward strokes at opponents on the ground ( this would cause the rider to bend down in a somewhat awkward manner to do so which a longer sword would not ) but for use against a level opponent, ie. another mounted man. I would be currious to know the dimenstions of the original axe posted as the pic does give it the impression of being somewhat long in the haft. The fluke/backspike on this example was not only pointed but actually sharpened meaning that the edges of the fluke had been sharpened to an edge. Attached Images