LARGE PERSIAN BATTLE AXE

Companion to the preceding two examples, evidently all preserved in an English manor house until recently. Forged iron, 32 ½” length with light tool finish tubular haft (minor dents). Very large double bits very well chiseled in foliage surrounding arabesque and serpentine panels decorated with silver line work. Large fore spike in the form of an alam (battle standard) which served to rally and direct troops in battle. The alam in particular, shows forged lamination attesting to its construction of wrought iron and its age. Impressive proportions and quality.