Sapper's axe, probably Imperial Guard model, forged steel sh - Lot 204

Sapper's axe, probably Imperial Guard model, forged steel shaft with hammer on the back, black varnished wooden handle terminating in a brass ferrule with knob at the end, the handle is fixed in the eye of the shaft by an oval brass plate held in place by two screws; shaft width 29 cm; overall length 93 cm (varnished iron and oxidation, needs cleaning; this axe has 2 holes in the shaft and a filled-in mortise. Originally, this axe and the following one were presented crossed as a trophy, the holes allowing them to be attached). First Empire and probably Restoration period This type of axe is reproduced in Christian Ariès' Armes blanches militaires françaises, facicule 23, 1975, reference 2.