Ca.800 AD. A large, heavy, iron axe head, probably from a francisca, a specific type of throwing axe, with (as here) a distinctive arch-shaped head that flattens into a two-pointed blade; the head forms an obtuse angle with the socket, which is wide, designed to fit a relatively short, tapered shaft. The blade has stampes that may have indicated ownership or the workshop where it was made. They were thrown into a melee, and even if the blade did not strike flesh, the heavy weight of the iron would splinter shields or deal serious head injuries and cause chaos. These types of weapons were famously described by the Byzantine historian Procopius to describe the fighting style of the Franks, but we know that they were used throughout the Germanic medieval world.Good Condition; fine example; L:225mm/H:120mm( 8.85in, 4.72in) (with stand); 1750gr; Provenance: Important London collection of Ancient art; formed in 1970s then passed by descent. All Items sold by Pax Romana Auctions come with professional Certificate of Authenticity.