Pirate's Axe

[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

[Roland_M]

More axes from Haithabu, Viking Axes.

[Richard G]

Possibly a continental hunting accoutrement?
Best wishes
Richard

[David R]

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

[M ELEY]

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]

Originally Posted by M ELEY

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.

Hi Mark,
Yes it confused me as well, with what we regard as marine fittings when it is obviously not much use as a working boarding axe. But it would still make a handy weapon.
I'm inclined to stick with marine for now, but I guess it will remain a bit of a mystery.
CC

[Victrix]

It could originally have been a goosewing axe used to hew timber into beams and planks (useful at sea), and then adapted into a fighting axe? It's unlikely so much effort would have been used to decorate a common tool. The metal studs would have been intended to deflect cuts. The shaft looks later and could have been a fantasy afterthought to enhance supposed martial qualities of the axe head? I have not seen examples of medieval side clips before so could be more recent. The style of decoration look E.European, possibly Polish?

[CutlassCollector]

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]

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]

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..