Indian bulova axe

[Kmaddock]

Hi
I finally acquired attached axe, got it in a deal I had being trying to do for a few months
I like this axe a lot, looks to be the real deal and well made, but what I am wondering about is age and is this a tourist piece or a real fighting weapon.

I have tried close ups of the blade without much success and I am wondering are the lines in the blade laminations of the metal and would this point towards it being a true weapon.

Feels very well in the hand and definitely would do damage
Blade is 24 cm overall length is 82 cm, spike at top very sharp, brass decoration on haft has definite age to it.
Trying to take pictures with I pad so sorry about glare
Any pointers comments or information very much appreciated
Regards
Ken

[Jens Nordlunde]

Hi Ken,
You should try to photograph it outside when it is clouded, and if not in the shaddow. Turn the blade so there is no shine - hope this will help.
Jens

[CharlesS]

Could we get a pic of the base of the haft as well? The finial is certainly one of the nicest, and most refined ones I have seen.

Congrats!

[Jens Nordlunde]

I have tried to lighten the pictures - not the best, but I hope it helps a bit.
Jens

[Kmaddock]

Hi
Thanks for the comments
I am out of the country for next 10 days
I will re photograph on my return
Living in ireland outside cloudy will be no problem
The base is quiet decorative
Looking forward to hearing more comments when I have decent photos
Regards
Ken

[Kmaddock]

Hi
I am away for next 12 days but on my return I will get the better photos
Much appreciated the comments so far
Regards
Ken

[russel]

Hi Ken,

Very much the real deal, and a very nice one at that!

I love these axes, the variety is seemingly endless. I particularly like the terminal spike on yours, most seem rather rudimentary. Perhaps they were prone to being lost and replaced with whatever was at hand.

Congratulations on a grand purchase. I too look forward to more images.

Cheers, Russel

Here is one of mine with a similar hammer opposite the blade.

[Jens Nordlunde]

Hi Ken,
I am sorry that I cant help you more with the bulova axe, but I know very little about them - so the less I write about them, the better for you :-).
I have, however, in an old catalogue from a London dealer found one.
The text goes like this.
An Indian fighting Bullova from Chota Nagpur. 41.25 inches overall length, steel head 9.75 inches on rectangulr section stem with cylidrical eye at the back of which has a sharpened ridge. Square top spike emanates from decorative brass mount, polished wooden haft, decorative brass pommel terminating in a 1/4 anna coin. Condition, with nice patina. See Stone figure 199. £55.
The catalogue is from end of the 1970'ies. Funny that the dealer doesn't write anything about the age, as it should have been possible to date the anna coin.
Jens