Farrier's axe, 1820 (c)

This gruesome object is a farrier's axe dating from the early 19th century. It belonged to the Royal Horse Guards. The spike on the axe was used to put severely injured horses out of their misery as humanely as possible.

In order to account for all animals killed in action, the sharp axe blade was used to chop off the hoof of the deceased horse that was marked with the its regimental number. Army farriers still carry axes like this at ceremonial occasions - fortunately they do not use them anymore.