Napoleonic Sapper's Ax, Boarding Ax or just a Fireman's Ax ?

drac2k · 21st March 2017, 01:09 PM

I agree; I actually saw that type of boarding ax in Baltimore and it did look similar to mine, however, it was much smaller and only weighed 2 or 3 lbs.Maybe, the ax that I own is a later nautical fire ax.

broadaxe · 25th March 2017, 11:21 PM

Please try to weigh your axe. Heavy as full-sized fire axes are, 12-14 pounds sounds excessive. The long haft and heavy head were crucial for smashing into doors, or directly into wooden walls, and roofs. I agree with CutlassCollector with both identification and date, the shape of the head is somewhat different than the mid-19th century Paris fire department axe I have. I will try to weigh it as well, for comparison.

drac2k · 27th March 2017, 07:51 PM

Sorry, I just saw your post.The difference between the ax and myself, and myself without the ax is about 9.5 lbs.; I know that this is a poor measurement, but at this time it is the best I can do.

21st March 2017, 01:09 PM	#1
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,258	I agree; I actually saw that type of boarding ax in Baltimore and it did look similar to mine, however, it was much smaller and only weighed 2 or 3 lbs.Maybe, the ax that I own is a later nautical fire ax.

25th March 2017, 11:21 PM	#2
broadaxe Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 334	Please try to weigh your axe. Heavy as full-sized fire axes are, 12-14 pounds sounds excessive. The long haft and heavy head were crucial for smashing into doors, or directly into wooden walls, and roofs. I agree with CutlassCollector with both identification and date, the shape of the head is somewhat different than the mid-19th century Paris fire department axe I have. I will try to weigh it as well, for comparison.

27th March 2017, 07:51 PM	#3
drac2k Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 1,258	Sorry, I just saw your post.The difference between the ax and myself, and myself without the ax is about 9.5 lbs.; I know that this is a poor measurement, but at this time it is the best I can do.