Axe Question

mgolab · 21st May 2024, 05:59 PM

I purchased it in Southern Indiana by Vincennes where the 8th Regiment was involved during the American Revolution.

On the one side of the hatchet, there appears to be blacksmith initials and the number “4”. On the other side, are more marks, not sure whether proof marks, rack numbers, “8” with a “P” or “F”? The axe appears to be 18th century, hand forged. Not sure whether I also see a faint broad arrow mark on the side with the “8”.

I added the handle.

The head is slightly under 7 inches long.

Ed · Yesterday, 02:38 PM

I don't think that an ax would be "proofed", that is a firearm issue. Inspected more like.

Nice find.

M ELEY · Yesterday, 02:51 PM

Excellent example of the old style poll axes. These types made their way into North America with the French and the Hudson Bay Company British fur traders. Both Neumann and Hartzler's guides show similar examples. Great find, Mark!

21st May 2024, 05:59 PM	#1
mgolab Member Join Date: Jun 2023 Posts: 40	Axe Question I purchased it in Southern Indiana by Vincennes where the 8th Regiment was involved during the American Revolution. On the one side of the hatchet, there appears to be blacksmith initials and the number “4”. On the other side, are more marks, not sure whether proof marks, rack numbers, “8” with a “P” or “F”? The axe appears to be 18th century, hand forged. Not sure whether I also see a faint broad arrow mark on the side with the “8”. I added the handle. The head is slightly under 7 inches long. Attached Images

Yesterday, 02:38 PM	#2
Ed Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 207	I don't think that an ax would be "proofed", that is a firearm issue. Inspected more like. Nice find.

Yesterday, 02:51 PM	#3
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,077	Excellent example of the old style poll axes. These types made their way into North America with the French and the Hudson Bay Company British fur traders. Both Neumann and Hartzler's guides show similar examples. Great find, Mark!