Paging the axe lovers

[fernando]

A sturdy thing, with its two kilos (4 1/2 pounds) weight and with a blade of 27 cms (11 ").
Coming from a Northern manor house.
The socket cross section has a flat part.
The marks would be the maker's ones.
We can clearly see that the blade has two welded parts; amazingly the edged part is thicker.
Only one side of the edge is sharpened.
What do you make of this thing, Gentlemen ?
European (Portuguese) ?
A battle, assault or even boarding axe?
And, fatidic question, what would be its age?
I don't think this is a domestic tool -

Fernando

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[katana]

Hi 'Nando ,
sorry, my friend, I believe this is a carpenter's side axe ....used to smooth the surface of wooden beams, planks etc.
These are usually 'handed' ie designed to be used exclusively one handed .....so made either for right handed use or left (but not both).

Tha axe blade is usually 'off centre' to the shaft. The welding looks suspiciously like arc welding which has been ground/filed down.

Kind Regards David

[fernando]

Thank you so much for your prompt ID, David .
The axe will go back to seller, who already confirmed the return, admiting that only now, after over thirty years, he had this thing undoubtedly identified.
Thanks once more, old chap .
'Nando

[broadaxe]

If I may add, this is a french-style doloire. Due to its relatively simple form I guess it is pretty late, circa 1900. The seam doesn't have to be arch-welded, it could be forge-welded but poorly executed. Older, finer doloires are works of applied art, sometimes with forged decorations.
http://www.legreniersaintmedard.net/...ls/doloire.jpg

[fernando]

Great info, Broadaxe.
Thanks a lot.
Fernando

[Jim McDougall]

Beautiful work gentlemen!!! This kind of interaction and sound ID makes me smile!! another addition to the notes.
Thank you,
Jim