An axe ... what type ?

[Timo Nieminen]

Originally Posted by fernando

I must admit in any case that this 'bagasse cutter' is a beast, with its 2829 grams.(6 1/4 pounds); enough for a full swinging martial weapon, i would say.

Given that weight, I'd think "tool", not "weapon". There are weapons of this weight, but generally long two-handed weapons. Big two-handed swords, halberds, etc. I don't think I've ever seen a battleaxe that heavy.

[fernando]

So definitely the Coupe-Marc theory has ceased.
Further details like the well faceted long socket demanding a axe long handle versus the round short dull tube to fit a small grip add up to a different definition of this item.
Also the born weapon possibility is consensually declined.
Perhaps moving this thread to the miscelania section is the right thing, notwithstanding a flavor of weaponry that resides in its overall appearance ... to my eyes, i mean .
It should however be nice to hear further approaches towards its definite purpose and provenance.
It will be a hard task to read the marks; some corroded area of the blade is precisely where the marks are, which makes it more difficult. It looks however that both converging words are the ame. Concerning the black paint, once it is not to give it a martial aspect, it could have been done for perservation, soon or late after its active period. Should i take it off, or just leave it as it is ?

[kronckew]

black oil based paint was commonly used for corrosion protection both civilian and military, lots of armory & field grade weapons, armour, helmets etc. were blackened for storage between wars or protection in the field. i'd not remove it. i might even redo it (black rustoleum?). there are also acrylic based tannic acid products (find under auto products) that turn nasty red rust into a stable black form while priming the metal for a top coat. if t were a valuable antique weapon i might just oil it occasionally (and put a stained ash or hickory haft on it.

p.s. - i'm a dummy. just noticed this is actually, as lee said, a side axe, the blade offset to one side and the chisel grind is is used in woodworking to flatten and square timbers for beams - typically used by standing on or along the trunk and swinging the edge along the side, thus a bit heavy helps. it may have gone to war with an engineer for constructing siege engines & fortifications, but they were mostly civil carpentry tools. also called a broad axe.

see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpB4zvoTV1c

and

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2R_ZyPqwfo

[Rick]

Woodworking tools for 500 Alex.
I expect there may even be left-handed models extant.

[Pukka Bundook]

Yes, a type of Broad axe, for smoothing timber.

Very nice shape to it, and differing markedly from the usual broad-axe form, but the flat side gives it away as such.
I never feel disappointed when a 'weapon' turns out as a tool as to me, the history can be very much as interesting either way!
Also, one can guarantee most tools Were used, whereas with weapons, many never really were. :-)

Congrats on a nice find!

Richard.

[Lee]

Originally Posted by Rick

I expect there may even be left-handed models extant.

Yes, there are.

Originally Posted by Pukka Bundook

I never feel disappointed when a 'weapon' turns out as a tool as to me, the history can be very much as interesting either way!

I, too, like both with the first determining factor being the quality of the workmanship. Things intended primarily as personal weapons were usually procured on a larger budget due to their role as status items, but there are also some really nice tools out there.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Rick

... I expect there may even be left-handed models extant.

Those would be handy