Francisca (or francesca) axe

Francisca (or francesca) axe

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$76.00
SKU:
ict310h-47B
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  • Product Description

     

    The francisca (or francesca) axe was chiefly used during the Early Middle Ages by the Franks, among whom it was a characteristic national weapon at the time of the Merovingians from about 500 to 750 and is known to have been used by the troops of Charlemagne (768–814). Although generally associated with the Franks, it was also used by other Germanic peoples of the period including the Anglo-Saxons, and several examples have been found in England. Very similar axe heads have also been excavated in Russia. This axe is often erroneously associated with the Vikings, but no example of this type of axe has ever been unearthed in Scandinavia, so it’s doubtful that the average Viking would have been familiar with these axes – indeed, it is more likely to have been wielded by their enemies! The term francisca first appeared in the book Ethymologiarum sive originum, libri XVIII by Isidore of Seville (c. 560–636) as a name used in Hispania to refer to these weapons "because of their use by the Franks". The strange curvature of the head helps with the aerodynamics of the axe once thrown, giving the axe a slightly lower centre of gravity. Upon impact the blade packs a more powerful punch on a smaller area than a regular axe blade, making it more likely to penetrate chain mail. The design however makes this axe an inefficient wood chopper, so suffice to say it wasn't a peasant's weapon, but was manufactured for the warrior class.

     

    Weight: 0.811 kg. - Overall Length: 51 cm - Head: 21 cm wide.

     

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  • Product Reviews

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    1. Very good and functional.

      Sturdy and durable unit. Will add some embellishments. on 6th May 2021

    2. Great product

      Have been looking for a francisca for a while to round out my Migration Era outfit. Turned up before I expected. Good hardwood handle and sharpening was a breeze - thanks Medieval Shoppe! on 14th Feb 2021

    3. Well made!

      Great design on this one. The head has a great shape and the handle is weildy too. Would be a great camp axe, given the hammer on the back and the weight behind it. With some mod's it would also be a competent thrower too. on 5th Apr 2018

    4. Wonderful

      I got this axe in the mail earlier this morning and I must say, she's a beauty of a weapon. The quality's great, she's just the right weight and length, and the haft feels perfect in my hand. I also love how she feels on the swing and she can cut furiously, as well. Great work on this one! on 28th Mar 2018

    5. good addition to the armoury

      practical in it's simplicity....good in the hand and versatile with scope for personal customising on 4th Apr 2015

    6. Great little axe

      It is a wonderful little beauty of a francisca. The head looks nasty and the timber work is beautiful with a soft, easy to hold finish. on 6th Mar 2015

  • Product Videos

    • Francisca Axe Tested on Ballistic Gel Analog Head and Thigh!
      Thrand and Eldgrim test Medieval Shoppes Francisca or Francesc...
    • Francisca and Nordic Axe Throwing With Special Reply to Lindybeige
      Thrand and Eldgrim test out their new hand axes from Medieval ...

    Francisca Axe Tested on Ballistic Gel Analog Head and Thigh!

    Thrand and Eldgrim test Medieval Shoppes Francisca or Francesca axe on a new improved Ivar draugr ballistic gel analog head and a new thigh. This axe looks just like the one that appeared on History's Vikings. So sit back grab an ale or mead and watch this exciting test of ancient Frankish and Viking axe carnage. http://www.medievalshoppe.com.au/francisca-or-francesca-axe/ Be sure and like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Thrand Be sure to Subscribe to our Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/ThegnThrand?sub_confirmation=1 Help us keep channel going on Patreon http://www.patreon.com/Thrand
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