EARLY ENGRAVED GERMAN AX WITH ORIGINAL HAFT.

The iron head measures 5-1/4" in length with a 2-5/16" straight cutting edge. The bottom edge is scalloped and both sides are decorated with ornate engraved scrolls on a stippled brown. There is a round piercing about 3/8" from the cutting edge in the center of the blade. The right side features a coat of arms and the left side features a large cartouche with a crown over an engraved "K". This ax was probably from the castle of an important family or from a royal collection. A convex brass cap covers the eye on the top. The haft measures 30-3/4" with fluting on both sides and most of its original black paint. There is an iron ferrule around the bottom of the haft. On the back of the haft in red paint is an old collection number "Inv. Nr. 2012". CONDITION: Head retains an even grey patina with some minor nicks to edge. Cap covering the eye has a crack and some denting, retains a dark mustard patina. Haft excellent, with some marks from use and scattered areas of flaked original paint. PROVENANCE: From the collection of Stephan Mautner (1877-1944), who was a Viennese businessman and artist. He and his wife were deported to Auschwitz concentration camp and died in 1944. It was then passed on to their son in Washington, D.C. and through the family before being acquired by the current consignor. This ax has very nice form and is very well engraved, and could probably be traces to an important German family. DMG Blade Length: 2 - 5/16" Overall Length: 30 - 3/4" Condition: Dimensions: Length: 30 - 3/4".