This axe is similar to others seen of Persian origin from the 18th-19th Centuries and was likely intended for ceremonial purposes due to the heavy weight of the head, lack of an edge on the blade, and its ornate appearance. The head itself is finely relief carved with three panel scenes on each side, each depicting lions attaching game, relief carved and gilded words in Arabic on each side at the center of the blade, and all surrounded by gilded floral borders. The head is 5 inches long with a "cutting edge" about 4 inches wide, each end of which is turned back to form a ducks head which is detailed in gold. The smooth iron shaft is embellished with a pair of gold spiraling lines down the length and some more gold floral borders. The pommel is onion shaped and also embellished in gold.

Very fine, retaining almost all of the gold finish and the iron showing mostly a grey patina with crisp carving and inlays overall. A very attractive Persian style axe!