Opinion of the US expert on antique Axes: This is a strange little axe. The fact that it was riveted together almost guarantees that it is 17th century or later. It looks like the keyhole was probably going up and down... the perfect orientation for pulling nails. I have to believe it was a small working axe of some kind, probably a carpenter's axe. I have no history on a price on this one. Ron P.S.... about this particular axe. If it was me I would use the artists' varnish rather liberally. It looks like it will soak up a lot of it. That is actually a good thing because the varnish will actually help to hold it together. Well balanced, light and easy to handle and fight, with drop shaped opening in the blade. Length (anterior-posterior): 10 cm = 4 inches; Cutting blade length (superior-inferior): 5.7 cm = 2.25 inches; Diameter of the hole: 20 mm x 13 mm; Weight: 216 g = 7.6 oz. Condition: natural oxidized reddish rust all over the body; Provenance: from a Central European (Germany) collection.