This light broad seax is reminiscent of weapons that have been found in archaeological digs from Paris to Trondheim. Blades like this were used by the Merovingians/Carolingians and other Iron age/ Viking age cultures. It could have been purchased at a trade center or obtained at no cost as a battlefield pick-up. These blades are very robust with both the edge and the back of the blade curving towards the tip, which is generally located at the centerline of the blade. Many examples have two decorative grooves that meet toward the tip of the blade. Some examples like this one have a heavy broad blade that is designed to defeat mail shirts. This was accomplished by thrusting it into an opponent and forcing apart and breaking the riveted links so that the blade could pass through.