Battle Axe, Germany, 16th century 6602

Reproduction of an axe, made of metal and wood.

The axe known as the Crow's Beak, used by cavalry in southern Germany, was a short weapon measuring between 50 and 80 cm, which usually had a wooden handle. Its armed head consisted of a long, curved beak, which gave it its name, and a lighter than normal axe blade.

The 16th century battle axes were the military version of the traditional lumberjack axes, but lighter for greater ease of wielding and with a sharper blade for greater effectiveness. It was one of the most powerful and effective cutting weapons of the time, and was mainly used by stabbing the shield, thus generating an added weight on enemy combatants, who were forced to drop it, leaving themselves exposed.

At this time, the appearance of plate armour led to the specialisation of axes, which began to have a point on the opposite side of the blade, as well as a vertical blade at the top. This is because penetration was a determining factor when it came to piercing armour.

Measurements: 75 cm
Weight: 945 g