Chinese or Japanese Axe

sabertasche · 18th November 2006, 06:02 AM

I just picked this up and noticed that there was some oriental caligraphy on the axe. For those who can read Chinese/Japanese, I was hoping for a translation

.

I've never seen Japanese axes, I would assume they used them but I've never seen one.

Note the offset handle to axehead - very well thought out design. Also note that there is a remnant of red paint applied to the handle.

My interpretation of this axe is that it is Chinese - Boxer rebellion or maybe a 25 year old fire axe

Any thoughts out there - I have no idea

Greg

fearn · 18th November 2006, 08:35 PM

In my inexpert opinion, it doesn't look like a japanese martial axe. Also, I don't think the Japanese historically used fire axes, although they may have after WWII. I'd guess this is Chinese.

As for age and use, let's see what the translation says.

F

tom hyle · 18th November 2006, 10:15 PM

Japanese fireman use(d?) a kind of pick-looking dealie instead of an axe, I think. Can we have an overall length?

sabertasche · 18th November 2006, 10:23 PM

Thanks for the comments so far. The more I look at this the more I think Chinese as well. The total length is 22 inches.

I wait in eager anticipation for a translation

Greg

Marc · 19th November 2006, 01:42 PM

I can't translate it, but I would say the inscription is upside down... just an impression.

18th November 2006, 06:02 AM	#1
sabertasche Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 149	Chinese or Japanese Axe - Help with Translation I just picked this up and noticed that there was some oriental caligraphy on the axe. For those who can read Chinese/Japanese, I was hoping for a translation . I've never seen Japanese axes, I would assume they used them but I've never seen one. Note the offset handle to axehead - very well thought out design. Also note that there is a remnant of red paint applied to the handle. My interpretation of this axe is that it is Chinese - Boxer rebellion or maybe a 25 year old fire axe Any thoughts out there - I have no idea Greg Attached Images Last edited by sabertasche; 18th November 2006 at 08:24 AM.

18th November 2006, 08:35 PM	#2
fearn Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,247	In my inexpert opinion, it doesn't look like a japanese martial axe. Also, I don't think the Japanese historically used fire axes, although they may have after WWII. I'd guess this is Chinese. As for age and use, let's see what the translation says. F

18th November 2006, 10:15 PM	#3
tom hyle Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 1,254	Japanese fireman use(d?) a kind of pick-looking dealie instead of an axe, I think. Can we have an overall length?

18th November 2006, 10:23 PM	#4
sabertasche Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 149	Thanks for the comments so far. The more I look at this the more I think Chinese as well. The total length is 22 inches. I wait in eager anticipation for a translation Greg

19th November 2006, 01:42 PM	#5
Marc Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Madrid / Barcelona Posts: 256	I can't translate it, but I would say the inscription is upside down... just an impression.