Pirate's Axe

CutlassCollector · 1st September 2017, 12:29 PM

Hi,

I have previously posted this in the ethnographic section thinking the blade, or blade shape may have come from India, but not much luck. So am re-posting here as a couple of members suggest European is more likely.

This axe lives in a museum and is marked as a boarding axe of unknown origin which is fair enough considering the langets, a lanyard ring and a belt hook. But the lack of a spike suggests more weapon than tool and because of this and the marine fittings I am thinking that it is a one of a kind pirate's personal weapon rather than a boarding axe.

It is 29.5 inches (75cm) long and the blade is 12 inches (30cm) and very sharp.

Any comment appreciated especially about the origin of the blade shape or the studded handle decoration?

Roland_M · 1st September 2017, 01:29 PM

I would say it is a large Medieval double bearded axe. The shaft is younger than the head.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bearded_axe

I found this example on Pinterest:"European battle axe, ca.1100-1300".

https://www.pinterest.de/siresasa/hi...00-on/?lp=true

Regards,
Roland

Roland_M · 1st September 2017, 03:09 PM

More axes from Haithabu, Viking Axes.

Richard G · 1st September 2017, 07:32 PM

Possibly a continental hunting accoutrement?
Best wishes
Richard

David R · 1st September 2017, 09:11 PM

The belt hook and general style has me thinking Eastern Europe, Poland, possibly Russia.

M ELEY · 1st September 2017, 10:01 PM

Gorgeous piece, but I would agree with the others that this isn't a boarding ax per say. Of course, in the early periods of sail, ANY ax that went to sea could be contrived as a 'boarding ax'. The era of the classic boarding pieces started in the 1600's and were indeed patterned after the spiked, double bearded battle axes. The next 'pattern' to be seen were the fur trade axes coming over to the Americas in the 18th c. This piece being so early probably excludes it from maritime use. Still, the lanyard ring and belt hook throw me, as I've never seen early hunting axes with them.

CutlassCollector · 2nd September 2017, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David R

The belt hook and general style has me thinking Eastern Europe, Poland, possibly Russia.

Thanks David, I had not thought of that area of the world. I'll have a look in that direction. CC

CutlassCollector · 2nd September 2017, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roland_M

I would say it is a large Medieval double bearded axe. The shaft is younger than the head.

I found this example on Pinterest:"European battle axe, ca.1100-1300".

https://www.pinterest.de/siresasa/hi...00-on/?lp=true

Regards,
Roland

Hi Roland,
Thanks for the links and the Viking axe shapes. The long handle goes well with the Scandinavian heritage, so could be a possibility.

CC

Dmitry · 3rd November 2017, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roland_M

I would say it is a large Medieval double bearded axe. The shaft is younger than the head.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bearded_axe

I found this example on Pinterest:"European battle axe, ca.1100-1300".

https://www.pinterest.de/siresasa/hi...00-on/?lp=true

Regards,
Roland

Agreed. This is a composite, a period head and a fantasy decorated haft and hardware..

1st September 2017, 12:29 PM	#1
CutlassCollector Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scotland Posts: 330	Pirate's Axe Hi, I have previously posted this in the ethnographic section thinking the blade, or blade shape may have come from India, but not much luck. So am re-posting here as a couple of members suggest European is more likely. This axe lives in a museum and is marked as a boarding axe of unknown origin which is fair enough considering the langets, a lanyard ring and a belt hook. But the lack of a spike suggests more weapon than tool and because of this and the marine fittings I am thinking that it is a one of a kind pirate's personal weapon rather than a boarding axe. It is 29.5 inches (75cm) long and the blade is 12 inches (30cm) and very sharp. Any comment appreciated especially about the origin of the blade shape or the studded handle decoration? Attached Images

1st September 2017, 01:29 PM	#2
Roland_M Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Germany Posts: 525	I would say it is a large Medieval double bearded axe. The shaft is younger than the head. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bearded_axe I found this example on Pinterest:"European battle axe, ca.1100-1300". https://www.pinterest.de/siresasa/hi...00-on/?lp=true Regards, Roland Attached Images Last edited by Roland_M; 1st September 2017 at 03:10 PM.

1st September 2017, 03:09 PM	#3
Roland_M Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Germany Posts: 525	More axes from Haithabu, Viking Axes. Attached Images

1st September 2017, 07:32 PM	#4
Richard G Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 406	Possibly a continental hunting accoutrement? Best wishes Richard

1st September 2017, 09:11 PM	#5
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,079	The belt hook and general style has me thinking Eastern Europe, Poland, possibly Russia.

1st September 2017, 10:01 PM	#6
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,099	Gorgeous piece, but I would agree with the others that this isn't a boarding ax per say. Of course, in the early periods of sail, ANY ax that went to sea could be contrived as a 'boarding ax'. The era of the classic boarding pieces started in the 1600's and were indeed patterned after the spiked, double bearded battle axes. The next 'pattern' to be seen were the fur trade axes coming over to the Americas in the 18th c. This piece being so early probably excludes it from maritime use. Still, the lanyard ring and belt hook throw me, as I've never seen early hunting axes with them.