A SAXON MINER'S GUILD AXE, LATE 17TH CENTURY with flat iron head of characteristic form pierced with a slipped quatrefoil and circles, stamped with a maker's mark including the letter 'K' (rubbed) and fitted with a copper button on the spike, fruitwood haft profusely inlaid over its full length with engraved bone plaques of flowers and foliage involving figures kneeling in penance at the feet of Christ Crucified beneath the pious inscription 'INRI', all on a ground sewn with horn pellets enriched with brass wire scrolls along the back, and fitted with bone pommel engraved on both sides with a flowering medallion filled with the arms of Saxony on one side and the crossed pick and hammer of the Miners Guild on the other (small pieces of inlay replaced, minor losses and light wear) 88.9cm; 39in