A small axe ... for possible ID

fernando · 17th December 2019, 05:13 PM

Well, it is not impossible that it had a spike that was later cut off; its head looks rather irregular. And in fact its owner started by suggesting that its butt socket was a key to turn whatever device; it was i who didn't believe so

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As for large axes, the local fire brigade station being in my street, since my childhood i kept seeing the men parading with those in cerimonial uniform, actually up until nowadys. However i am not certain of the period they ceased using them in actual fire fighting.

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David R · 18th December 2019, 05:28 PM

Results of a quick google... In the UK firefighters have a different origin to the rest of Europe, being originally Insurance Company employees rather than military.
The last pic is of a "female firefighter", possibly a film role, and certainly posed.

fernando · 18th December 2019, 06:42 PM

Nice shots. Firemen in Portugal are massively volunteers; only hald dozen are professional (so called sappers) in the largest cities. It could be my imagination but, i would swear they use(d) also the small version over here, hanging from the belt.
Do i notice that those used by Brits are only reinforced in the blade end, as it would be normal, so to say.
... Meaning that, the axe i initally posted, belongs in the riddle universe.

kronckew · 18th December 2019, 07:35 PM

My British firemans axe:

Helleri · 23rd December 2019, 02:19 PM

Morphologically it most resembles a Tomahawk to me. Heavy headed with a down angled bit, and a slight recurve towards the top edge. A convex grind with a stout butt (which on tomahawks are largely about counter balancing). I've also seen a few tomahawks that have a hollow recess at the end of the handle for stuffing a cork in. That's so if it gets a handle strike the blow is deadened and it doesn't come whipping back at the thrower, or flying off in some unpredictable direction (the cork usually snaps off when that happens and takes a lot of that kinetic energy with it).

I mean I could in no way say anything for certain. But I did do a good bit of throwing back in the day up northern california way (real northern california) and that would be my first instinct with it. Sure looks like it would stick nicely.

fernando · 24th December 2019, 01:07 PM

Good points, Helleri

I will transmit them to my fellow collector

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17th December 2019, 05:13 PM	#1
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Well, it is not impossible that it had a spike that was later cut off; its head looks rather irregular. And in fact its owner started by suggesting that its butt socket was a key to turn whatever device; it was i who didn't believe so . As for large axes, the local fire brigade station being in my street, since my childhood i kept seeing the men parading with those in cerimonial uniform, actually up until nowadys. However i am not certain of the period they ceased using them in actual fire fighting. . Attached Images

18th December 2019, 05:28 PM	#2
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,114	Results of a quick google... In the UK firefighters have a different origin to the rest of Europe, being originally Insurance Company employees rather than military. The last pic is of a "female firefighter", possibly a film role, and certainly posed. Attached Images Last edited by David R; 18th December 2019 at 05:40 PM.

18th December 2019, 07:35 PM	#4
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,215	My British firemans axe: Attached Images

18th December 2019, 06:42 PM	#3
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Nice shots. Firemen in Portugal are massively volunteers; only hald dozen are professional (so called sappers) in the largest cities. It could be my imagination but, i would swear they use(d) also the small version over here, hanging from the belt. Do i notice that those used by Brits are only reinforced in the blade end, as it would be normal, so to say. ... Meaning that, the axe i initally posted, belongs in the riddle universe.

23rd December 2019, 02:19 PM	#5
Helleri Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Chino, CA. Posts: 219	Morphologically it most resembles a Tomahawk to me. Heavy headed with a down angled bit, and a slight recurve towards the top edge. A convex grind with a stout butt (which on tomahawks are largely about counter balancing). I've also seen a few tomahawks that have a hollow recess at the end of the handle for stuffing a cork in. That's so if it gets a handle strike the blow is deadened and it doesn't come whipping back at the thrower, or flying off in some unpredictable direction (the cork usually snaps off when that happens and takes a lot of that kinetic energy with it). I mean I could in no way say anything for certain. But I did do a good bit of throwing back in the day up northern california way (real northern california) and that would be my first instinct with it. Sure looks like it would stick nicely.

24th December 2019, 01:07 PM	#6
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Good points, Helleri I will transmit them to my fellow collector .