MEDIEVAL AXE

1200

Cast lead alloy miniature axe of probable medieval date (1200-1550). The axe is a scale model of a battle-style axe of the medieval period. It is cast in one piece with an integrally cast transverse hole through the butt. In shape the axe is irregular in plan with a rectangular butt and expanded blade; in profile it is broadly sub-triangular. The two faces of the butt are similarly shaped in plan; however, one face is much flatter than the other. This is probably due to the method of casting and shape of the mould used. The butt of the axe is square in section and the hole seems to have been cast rather than drilled. The hole is positioned relatively centrally and has a diameter of 3.5mm. The upper edge of the butt is faceted, with irregular trimming of the edges. The blade is slightly asymmetrical with one edge being slightly longer and more curved than the other. Clear blade facets have been produced which are similar in shape to those found on larger axes. It is difficult to tell whether the axe is decorated as there is no conventional design present. However, there are a large number of file marks which are relatively even and decorative in nature. These extend in several different directions being mostly vertical along the length of the blade and horizontal across the butt. These file marks may be functional but there seem to be too many of them and their nature too regular to suggest that they are merely to removes casting waste. The axe is a mid grey colour with a well preserved patina which covers most surfaces. There are in places small amount of plough damage and abrasion although there are no corrosion products present. Similar large scale axes can be seen in the Ward-Perkins, Museum of London Medieval Catalogue 1940, specifically the Class V axe 'battle-axe' which is used throughout the medieval period. A close parallel in shape can be see in example A14988 and A 1940, p64. The miniature axe measures length 25.9mm, width across blade 21.6mm, width at top 8.1mm and thickness 7.6mm. Weight 12.87 grams.Geoff Egan (PAS Finds Advisor) suggests via email:There are several of these plain axes known, both here (UK) and more in Scandinavia/the Baltic. It is possible this tool type was in some way analogous with the more common decorated ones, which were miniature weapons of combat, complete with wooden shafts (and which tend to have been published along with pilgrim badges). The decorative ones perhaps acted as favours during tournaments. They were popular in several countries from at least the C13th to the C16th, possibly going back much further, but nothing more specific has yet emerged. See Brian Spencer's book on London pilgrim and secular souvenirs (1998) p301-07.There are apparently no other tool-accessories to support the toy idea in the Medieval period.