This is an example of a likely 16th or 17th century European axe that bears the closest resemblance to executioner's axes of the period. Weighing in at 5 pounds 9 ounces it is a bit on the heavy side for use as a woodsman's tool, though it does share some characteristics of "hewing axes" of the time. The blade is 10 1/4 inches long from the socket and has a 7 inch cutting edge, which was likely previously longer as the lower tip appears to have been sheared off. It is stamped with "JDP" on the left of the blade. The long 7 3/4 inch socket is typical of headsman's axes of the time and have flattened sides, which continue onto the 37 1/4 inch ash shaft. There is a hole through the shaft near the bottom, possibly for a lanyard or hanging.

Fine, the head showing mostly a grey patina with pitting scattered throughout and clear maker's mark. The possibly replacement shaft is very fine with some scattered minor handling marks.