Hippen und haumesser

Four 'schnaier' - a type also found in neighbouring Poland, with a hook on the back that is similar in shape to the English block hook or Hertfordshire pattern.

Four 'knipp' - from Siegerland in south west Germany.

Decorated tools such as this 'haumesser' are found in Germany, Austria and Hungary

In wine growing areas the billhook is often a symbol carved into door lintels, grave stones or as in this case, a boundary marker built into a stone wall in Grünbach in Saxony, very close to the border with Poland. Similar are also found in Alsace, a German speaking region of France that has often been annexed by Germany..... For more images click here or here