A pair of late 17th/early 18th century axe heads
Saxon Miner's Guild Axes, derived from tools used for mining. They evolved into a ceremonial accessory during the 17th century from the working clothes of the miners. Probably from Erzgebirge, a region situated in the south of the German state of Saxony, running along the border with the Czech Republic.
The first with cross piercing and two groups of circular holes. Known as a ‘Steigerhäckchen’, it was the insignia of the intermediate ranks in the miners’ parade.
The second is more intricately etched with interlocking vegetal sprays, birds, geometric bands and decorative volutes and a keyhole piercing to the blade
A pair of late 17th/early 18th century axe heads
Saxon Miner's Guild Axes, derived from tools used for mining. They evolved into a ceremonial accessory during the 17th century from the working clothes of the miners. Probably from Erzgebirge, a region situated in the south of the German state of Saxony, running along the border with the Czech Republic.
The first with cross piercing and two groups of circular holes. Known as a ‘Steigerhäckchen’, it was the insignia of the intermediate ranks in the miners’ parade.
The second is more intricately etched with interlocking vegetal sprays, birds, geometric bands and decorative volutes and a keyhole piercing to the blade
