500-750 A.D. A fine francisca (throwing axe) from Germany, mounted on a decorated modern handle. See Underwood, R., Anglo Saxon Weapons and Warfare, 1999, Tempus Publishing. 458 grams, 33 cm (13 in.). Private German collection, 1992. Private collection of M. Adanitsch, Germany, 1999. The francisca is a throwing axe used during the early Middle Ages by the Franks. It is characterised by the distinct arch-shaped head, widening towards the cutting edge. The Byzantine historian, Procopius, documented that the Franks would throw franciscas immediately before hand-to-handbat, in order to break shield barriers and disrupt the enemy line. [No Reserve]