This massive two-handed Headsman's axe dates to the 16th Century and is almost identical to the axe displayed in the Tower of London. The size, shape and positioning of the maker's marks on this axe are also the same as those on the axe in the Tower of London, which suggests that both axes might be from the same maker.
The blade of this executioner's axe measures 29 cm in a straight line along the edge (more if one follows the curve) and is 36 cm across in a straight line from the socket to the centre of the blade. It is huge and heavy.
The forged iron head is in excellent condition for its 450 plus years of age. The forge marks are clearly visible and the blade has acquired a lovely black age patina. The edge is still surprisingly sharp. The two maker's marks are illegible but shape and position wise are identical to those on the Tower's axe.
The hard wood haft is a replacement for display purposes and is nicely aged and in keeping with the blade.
From time to time, antique wood working axes come to the market claiming to be executioner's axes. These wrongly described axes are identifiable by the fact that the blade angles sharply from the socket to either the right or left, for use by right or left handed people when facing timber. These are hewing axes and are not, and never have been for executions.
This is an extremely rare and truly a terrifying executioner's axe, made for only one purpose.
