R-16 French revolution "Pendulum axe" torture device. Iron, 2.4kgs, 40.6 cm. Circa late 18th century. This "axe" has a very curved crescent blade with a long central section met by the small sub rectangular socket. Most likely hung with the blade end down and swung like a pendulum. Below would have been a captive awaiting this gruesome capital punishment of a slow death. The axe blade used to swing back and forward and being lowered slowly onto the person below. The axe would skim the skin before slicing into it and slowly but surely removing the lower body from the upper body. Very fine and very rare. From a 16th century French Chateau. From a deceased French estate. With a letter of authenticity from an English dealer of antiquities. II-

See description for I-III scale (III=poor)