Francesca Medieval Throwing Axe – Windlass Steelcrafts

This Francisca Throwing Axe has a head forged from 1065 high carbon steel which has been left rough-polished to retain a rustic period character. It is fitted onto a stained hardwood haft.

Famously associated with the Frankish tribes of the early Medieval period, the Francisca (or Francesca) was a hard-hitting throwing axe used to disrupt an enemy formation as a precursor to melee combat. The historian Procopius of Byzantium noted that the Franks would, with a timed signal, unleash a volley of whirling axes at their foes before hand to hand combat. The axes could damage shields, or possibly even bounce off the rims of shields causing them to spiral into a formation at unpredictable and chaotic angles. Though they might kill relatively few shielded men, a volley which damaged shields and disoriented foes whilst causing some injuries could be just the advantage needed to win the field.

Though the Francisca owes its name to the Franks, it was used by many Germanic tribes of the period, as well as the Anglo Saxons.

Please Note: There is a replacement haft available for this item which is sold separately. It is linked on this page with a photo thumbnail.