If you’re considering purchasing a Viking axe, you’ve probably wondered how to differentiate between a Mammen and a Francisca. Here are some tips for distinguishing the two types. The Mammen axe has a bird motif, often depicting a rooster (Gullinkambi) or a Phoenix. The rooster appears in Norse mythology and sits on Yggdrasil, waking Viking warriors. Alternatively, a Phoenix appears on a Viking axe. The bird motif can be Christian or pagan depending on the source of the symbolism.
Mammen axes
The Viking axes that cross with the Mammen style have a few unique characteristics. The Mammen style was created with silver inlay and dates from the 900s. The motifs on this style axe are Christian or pagan and may have derived from the Mammen style axe. The bird motif could be a representation of the Gullinkambi bird in Norse mythology or the Phoenix of Christian mythology.
The Viking ax is an important piece of Viking weaponry. Although early axes were made with a single cutting edge, the Mammen style axes were adorned with a variety of patterns. These patterns were incorporated into the design and were probably intended to be a status symbol. A single Viking axe is seven to fifteen centimeters in length and can have different designs on each side.
The original ax is inlaid with silver wires. The axe head features a foliate pattern and a bird on the other side. The bird has a thicker body than other Jellinge animals. The bird has a thicker body with a spiral hip. The tail and wings are drawn out in long tendrils. The top portion of the axe features a human face mask with a round eye, a long nose, and a spiral beard.
A small Viking ax found in a Danish grave is believed to have been thrown by a wealthy individual. It is believed to date from 970-971 AD and is thought to belong to a high-status individual. Interestingly, this axe was decorated with silver and copper inlay and may have belonged to a noble person. Its head is best characterized as Petersen Type G.
Francisca axes
The earliest surviving francisca was used in the late 5th century in Western Europe. The use of these axes lasted until the Merovingian dynasty, and continued until the rise of Charlemagne. The francisca’s head, leather sheath, and edge are all a part of the historical record. Each of the surviving pieces varies in its spec, including the head’s shape and size.
Magnate’s axe, excavated in Jutland, was decorated with silver inlay. The axe’s head portrayed an animal, which became a source of dispute between Christians and Pagans. Another axe found in Denmark bears the motifs of a tree, which can be interpreted as the pagan Yggdrasil or the Christian Tree of Life.
The long haft of this reproduction is a characteristic of two-handed axes. The axe’s horn is used for offensive purposes, such as driving a large head into Thord’s throat. The horn of the axe is flat, rather than pointed, and provides a wider slashing surface than a sword or spear. The result is a devastating wound.
The head of the axe is made from various materials. Some are made with C10 steel and have a damascus steel forge. A full damascus steel forge weld makes them look special and attractive. A thicker head in the background has its eye punched out with drift. Those two examples are the only asymmetrical axe heads known to exist.
Another example of a Viking axe head is the Danish axe. Its cutting surface measures around 22 to 45 centimeters. Many Viking axes also had precious metal inlays. Some of these were highly decorated, such as the Mammen axe head, which was found in a rich grave. Those who found the axes were often the wealthy warriors of the time.
Bearded axes
The bearded axe was a very popular tool during the Viking era. This weapon was cheap to produce and had more features than other axes. It was used in battles and for woodworking, and could be wielded to split wood and pierce an enemy’s shield. As the name suggests, bearded axes were used by the Vikings for many tasks.
This weapon was designed to make the user’s arm stronger and more efficient. The bearded haft was attached to the shaft in many ways. Sometimes it was wrapped in metal, which reduced the chances of breaking. The bearded axe could be used to wrest a defender’s shield or weapon from his grasp, which is why they are commonly found in museums. Today, some woodworkers and foresters still use these weapons.
A cross-axe marks the end of the Viking period. The axes used to cut food and animals were called Mammen, and they were made from iron. Their shape was similar to a sword and the blade was either single or double-edged. The horn of these weapons was widened compared to the point of a sword. There are also several bearded viking axes in museums.
In some cases, the axe heads were made of iron. They were usually wedge-shaped, and were made as a single piece with a hole punched out by drift. Some axe heads were thinner than others, and were not meant for splitting wood but rather for splitting skulls. Some axe heads had very elegant cross-sections, and were made with a steel bit welded to the head. The weld was located slightly forward of the eye, and it was symmetrical in some cases.
Anglicized axes
Axes were used all the time in the Viking sagas. Norse warriors used broad axes to forge their weapons. Despite the heavy weight of their axes, they were relatively light. They carried the Mammen axe, spear point, and pull weapons. As a result, they were frequently used as throwing weapons. A common example is the story of Thorvaldr and Sigurdr.
The battle ax was the most popular weapon among Viking foot soldiers. It was long and triangular with a thick shaft and pointed blade. The longer, heavier shafts were called ‘genja’, while the smaller versions were called ‘tenja’. The axe head was usually made of a thick, flat piece of metal with a sharpened edge. While steel is a good material for axes, the metal used for them is cheaper than steel.
The Vikings were the dominant force in Northern Europe for several centuries. Their hardened mindset, elite combat skills, and Viking weaponry led them to conquer and settle many new lands. Common Viking warriors used axes as their primary weapon, and axes were powerful enough to deliver mortal wounds to their enemies. As a result, Viking axes played a pivotal role in the Viking longboats.
Axes were a basic part of Viking life. The axe was used for woodworking, but also in battle. It was an essential tool for Vikings, and could break through shields, armor, and helmets with a single strike. During the Viking era, axes were used extensively in combat, and often became the most common weapon in conflict. Axes were a very practical, affordable, and effective weapon.
Diamond-shaped cross-sections
Axes with a diamond-shaped cross-section were the most common type of Viking axes. Diamond-shaped axes have been found in a variety of Viking graves. They were made of iron and sometimes had a steel edge welded onto them. Diamond-shaped cross-sections were more effective because they could shave more meat per cut. The resulting ax head was much more powerful than the other type.
The Dane axe was a type of battle axe that was used during the transitional period between the Viking Age and the early Middle Ages. These axes had a long blade and a sharp blade at the tip. Viking axe for sale ranged in length from one to five feet. Their blades varied in size, and some had horns on the toe and heel. The Dane axe was one of the most common types of Viking axes, but there were also a variety of other styles.
In addition to displaying a unique design, the Norwegian axe has some striking similarities with the Danish and Swedish axes. The Danish axe has a diamond-shaped cross-section, which distinguishes it from the US Type III axe. The blade is eighteen inches long and 3.5 centimetres wide, while the spike is twelve centimetres wide. These axes also have a flat handle and a belt hook riveted through it.
The Viking axes with a diamond-shaped cross-section are particularly notable for their motifs. The Mammen axe, for example, is decorated with a rooster, possibly the Rooster Gullinkambi, which was worshipped in Norse mythology. The Phoenix, however, is a Christian creation. This cross-section also shows that the Vikings had a great deal of faith, which is why Viking axes often feature motifs that have Christian and pagan symbolism.