An axe ... what type ?

fernando · 2nd January 2016, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shakethetrees

I have seen several coupes marc over the years. The difference I see is that they were designed without consideration of the arc that is followed when an axe is swung in a full, all out effort. They seem to be designed for short, straight strokes, not so much for power but for scraping or light chopping in a restricted environment.

I have (only now) learnt that these devices vary a lot in shape among the various regions of France. Apparently only this specific model, so called Beaujolais, has this particular shape.
http://www.citedesarts.com/fr/Aff.php?select_nom=269
Considering that 'modern' units of this model have a lower profile, as i (now) saw out there, i find mine rather well developed, consistent with some age, most possibly 19th century ... and even more resembling a lethal weapon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kronckew

the coup marc axe seems to be quite a bit larger and with a VERY short haft ...

google image find: looks rather ungainly...the haft ends just off camera...

The article in the link above also mentions 60 cms. hafts; in fact with the weight of my example it would need a man with extra strength to chop bagasse with only one hand ... even considering short movements.
And if you exclude that stump like haft, it doesn't look so clumsy.

.

fernando · 2nd January 2016, 06:54 PM

Fresh pictures, in the various angles; couldn't decipher the maker's mark yet.
I couldn't resist doing some touch ups in the background of one of them and let the legs of Sofia, the cat, stay in it; they also can't resist entering the scene when we do unusual things

.

.

fernando · 2nd January 2016, 07:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gavin Nugent

... Looking at the long reach, the thickness, and the narrow cutting edge, I'd think it has a specific wood working task. The back looks flat for a purpose too...

Good point Gavin; i didn't yet figure out the reason for one of the sides being flat

,

Lee · 2nd January 2016, 07:56 PM

The additional pictures are helpful. I have a coupe marc axe and it is larger (54.5 cm) as noted above and relatively flat on both faces, tapering symmetrically to the edge. (I will take and post some pictures along with measurements in due course.) So, considering a flat face opposite a face with a beveled edge and some nice detailing near the haft, a 'broad axe' for woodworking (such as in finishing timbers) as was previously suggested must also be considered. It could also be earlier than 19th century, though the marks may help there.

2nd January 2016, 06:54 PM	#2
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Fresh pictures, in the various angles; couldn't decipher the maker's mark yet. I couldn't resist doing some touch ups in the background of one of them and let the legs of Sofia, the cat, stay in it; they also can't resist entering the scene when we do unusual things . . Attached Images

2nd January 2016, 07:56 PM	#4
Lee EAAF Staff Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Upstate New York, USA Posts: 940	Nice in any case The additional pictures are helpful. I have a coupe marc axe and it is larger (54.5 cm) as noted above and relatively flat on both faces, tapering symmetrically to the edge. (I will take and post some pictures along with measurements in due course.) So, considering a flat face opposite a face with a beveled edge and some nice detailing near the haft, a 'broad axe' for woodworking (such as in finishing timbers) as was previously suggested must also be considered. It could also be earlier than 19th century, though the marks may help there.