A boarding axe for comments

M ELEY · 10th March 2025, 08:55 PM

I have always wanted one of these for my naval collection and finally managed to land one! This is a Scandinavian boarding axe circa 1790-1810. Depending on the source, this type is either Danish or Swedish and fits the m1780 pattern of axe. These types came in two sizes; big and really big! Mine measures 33" high, 11" from spike tip to edge and 5 1/2" cutting edge. Unlike boarding axes from other countries (America, France, England, Holland, etc), which were fire/deck clearing tools first and weapons second, these Nordic types were weapons all the way and used secondary as tools.

Apparently, the Scandinavian countries were very late in adding cutlasses/swords to their melee weapons on deck, so they continued to use the spear/pike, large axe and daggers for attack/defence on their ships. You can practically see the Viking influence on this axe!

The haft has an amazing patina, with cut channels and narrowing to its frame. Note the ball end, a detail seen on other boarding implements (American pikes and boarding axes, for example). There is an armor's stamp to the steel head, but unfortunately I can't seem to make it out. To my old eyes, it looks like perhaps a 'II' or 'III', but it might also be two letters or a symbol. I was curious if it could be a rack number, but I'm assuming most rack numbers were carved into the haft versus stamped into the steel.

M ELEY · 10th March 2025, 09:08 PM

Note that the Scandinavian type boarding axes, like the French hach de borde, had both forward and backward-facing langets attached to the haft that the head snapped onto. This system works remarkably well and after 200+ years, there was only the slightest looseness in the head (I used an exacto-knife and balsa wood to make tiny shivs of wood to fill th gaps. Now very nice and tight!).

M ELEY · 10th March 2025, 09:15 PM

I would like to thank our Forum's own CC/Cutlass Collector for his monumental page on boarding axes in helping me identify this piece. CC, your resource is really the best I found online or elsewhere, so unless there is an old moldy copy of a book on entrebil written in Swedish somewhere, you ARE the source!

Here is an attachment-

https://www.boardingaxe.com/

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...avian+boarding

M ELEY · 10th March 2025, 09:48 PM

In 'Boarders Away' by Gilkerson, it is mentioned that two Scandinavian axes were captured by the Americans from the British on Lake Erie during the War of 1812. It is surmised that the reason the Brits had these axes was that they were taken as naval surplus from the Danes during the Battles of Copanhagen (1801 and 1807). This practice of confiscating and reusing other country's naval surplus wasn't unique and was a common practice among nations. The navies of the world had not yet established model patterns until well into the 19th c, so there was leeway for such things.

Likewise, the Swedes and the Danish were at any given time friends or enemies, working together for a cause or attacking each other at sea. Along with the similarities between boarding implements, it is not a surprise that there was a cross-over of usage of these two country's boarding tools.

The key factor here was that during the period of 1790-1830, there was great chaos among the Scandinavian countries as they were attacked by the British, taken over by the French, etc. It is no small surprise that what developed from these uncertain times was a rise in privateering in the North Sea. Many countries, including the U.S, became victims as their ships were taken for 'attempting to bring arms to the British', France's enemy and thus Denmark's as well. This boarding axe might have seen such action aboard a privateer during this time!

https://www.napoleon-series.org/mili...rchant%20fleet.

https://www.stateoftheunionhistory.c...rivateers.html

https://listverse.com/2011/06/10/10-...the-north-sea/

CutlassCollector · 10th March 2025, 10:17 PM

Hi Mark,

Great to see a boarding axe!

Congrats. That's a lovely example of the 1780 type Swedish and like you say so much bigger than all other boarding axes. Also intact with the long original handle with mid point swelling and those long langets with the wrap around ends. Nice find.
I do not recall seeing many markings on Swedish axes, so I can't help with the stamp. There is an X or a circle with an X in it that appears sometimes. I think that may be an 'out of service' mark like the reverse arrow mark that the Brits used.
Thanks for the kind comments on the Boarding Axe website!

CC

M ELEY · 11th March 2025, 02:46 PM

Thanks for responding, CC! I meant every word of praise! It is interesting that I purchased this through an antiques dealer in Dorking, Suffolk. He said it came from an 'old collection', so I wonder if perhaps this might be one of those axes brought back from either of the two Copenhagen battles. There is no marking corresponding to 'out of service' that I see, but who knows?

M ELEY · 12th March 2025, 12:55 AM

In mentioning the relatively late appearance of cutlasses/swords in the Swedish navy, here's an old thread concerning such-

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7180

I thought it was relevant as it does seem to support why Danish and Swedish boarding axes were battle implements back in the day before naval swords made their appearance-

Jim McDougall · 3rd April 2025, 11:01 PM

Capn, I have been fascinated by this amazing boarding axe since you got it! and while I know little on these, I have been trying to catch up. It seems as you point out, the Scandinavian navies were primarily focused on boarding axes over cutlasses much longer than other European navies.

It seems that Norwegian sailors were prevalent among the ranks of these Scandinavian navies, and understandably the Norse/Viking tradition of the battle axe was well in place.

While serving as a deadly weapon in close quarters fighting, the important utilitarian use of these in the days of fighting sail were key in their presence.
Obviously useful in clearing decks of fouled rigging, rope and debris was essential, and even more so, digging out 'hot shot' imbedded in the timbers of the vessel was immediately necessary. The pronounced 'pick' on these was ideal, and also this pick could be used much in the way of a mountaineers axe in required climbing.
The deadly use of either blade or pick in such a hefty weapon of course quickly became formidable in boarding combat.

In the Battle of Copenhagen of 1807, there were so many Danish vessels captured, one can imagine how many weapons were acquired. With the British favor of cutlasses in the larger 'armory' equipment, one would wonder how many of these were kept in service with naval vessels.

It seems likely that these kinds of axes easily found use in the private sector for utility use as well as many fire brigades adopted them. The later versions of fire axes following the features of these were smaller.

Whatever the case, these are notably rare naval weapons as evidenced by descriptions and of course, prices, in auction and sale venues.

Magnificent example, and well placed in the Eley Maritime Museum

M ELEY · 4th April 2025, 03:09 AM

Thanks for replying, Jim. It is true that these types of axes are indeed from a very specific area of collecting, but a very fascinating area given the time period and activity for these. The Age of Fighting Sail mostly came to a conclusion close to the mid-19th century, with the advent of steam-driven ships, ironclads and the very fast China Sea clippers. Cannons were transitioning over from smooth bore to shells, from swivel guns at the rail to turreted rifled cannons. Even the guns were changing from single shot flint-locks to multi-shot cartridge pistols. Things like boarding pikes and cutlasses were rapidly becoming obsolescent. Gone were the days of close-melee fighting on the deck, grappling hooks being flung into the enemies' rigging and planks being dropped between ships to assist the boarding parties crossing. These iconic weapons and tools from this era represent both graphic ferocity and blood-letting, but also true adventure, bravery beyond belief and the dedication of these sailors to their home nation.

Thanks for that pic, BTW! It is exactly what I think of when I imagine how it must have been!

10th March 2025, 08:55 PM	#1
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	A boarding axe for comments I have always wanted one of these for my naval collection and finally managed to land one! This is a Scandinavian boarding axe circa 1790-1810. Depending on the source, this type is either Danish or Swedish and fits the m1780 pattern of axe. These types came in two sizes; big and really big! Mine measures 33" high, 11" from spike tip to edge and 5 1/2" cutting edge. Unlike boarding axes from other countries (America, France, England, Holland, etc), which were fire/deck clearing tools first and weapons second, these Nordic types were weapons all the way and used secondary as tools. Apparently, the Scandinavian countries were very late in adding cutlasses/swords to their melee weapons on deck, so they continued to use the spear/pike, large axe and daggers for attack/defence on their ships. You can practically see the Viking influence on this axe! The haft has an amazing patina, with cut channels and narrowing to its frame. Note the ball end, a detail seen on other boarding implements (American pikes and boarding axes, for example). There is an armor's stamp to the steel head, but unfortunately I can't seem to make it out. To my old eyes, it looks like perhaps a 'II' or 'III', but it might also be two letters or a symbol. I was curious if it could be a rack number, but I'm assuming most rack numbers were carved into the haft versus stamped into the steel. Attached Images

10th March 2025, 09:08 PM	#2
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	More pics... Note that the Scandinavian type boarding axes, like the French hach de borde, had both forward and backward-facing langets attached to the haft that the head snapped onto. This system works remarkably well and after 200+ years, there was only the slightest looseness in the head (I used an exacto-knife and balsa wood to make tiny shivs of wood to fill th gaps. Now very nice and tight!). Attached Images

10th March 2025, 09:48 PM	#4
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	In 'Boarders Away' by Gilkerson, it is mentioned that two Scandinavian axes were captured by the Americans from the British on Lake Erie during the War of 1812. It is surmised that the reason the Brits had these axes was that they were taken as naval surplus from the Danes during the Battles of Copanhagen (1801 and 1807). This practice of confiscating and reusing other country's naval surplus wasn't unique and was a common practice among nations. The navies of the world had not yet established model patterns until well into the 19th c, so there was leeway for such things. Likewise, the Swedes and the Danish were at any given time friends or enemies, working together for a cause or attacking each other at sea. Along with the similarities between boarding implements, it is not a surprise that there was a cross-over of usage of these two country's boarding tools. The key factor here was that during the period of 1790-1830, there was great chaos among the Scandinavian countries as they were attacked by the British, taken over by the French, etc. It is no small surprise that what developed from these uncertain times was a rise in privateering in the North Sea. Many countries, including the U.S, became victims as their ships were taken for 'attempting to bring arms to the British', France's enemy and thus Denmark's as well. This boarding axe might have seen such action aboard a privateer during this time! https://www.napoleon-series.org/mili...rchant%20fleet. https://www.stateoftheunionhistory.c...rivateers.html https://listverse.com/2011/06/10/10-...the-north-sea/ Last edited by M ELEY; 11th March 2025 at 02:36 AM.

3rd April 2025, 11:01 PM	#8
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,177	Capn, I have been fascinated by this amazing boarding axe since you got it! and while I know little on these, I have been trying to catch up. It seems as you point out, the Scandinavian navies were primarily focused on boarding axes over cutlasses much longer than other European navies. It seems that Norwegian sailors were prevalent among the ranks of these Scandinavian navies, and understandably the Norse/Viking tradition of the battle axe was well in place. While serving as a deadly weapon in close quarters fighting, the important utilitarian use of these in the days of fighting sail were key in their presence. Obviously useful in clearing decks of fouled rigging, rope and debris was essential, and even more so, digging out 'hot shot' imbedded in the timbers of the vessel was immediately necessary. The pronounced 'pick' on these was ideal, and also this pick could be used much in the way of a mountaineers axe in required climbing. The deadly use of either blade or pick in such a hefty weapon of course quickly became formidable in boarding combat. In the Battle of Copenhagen of 1807, there were so many Danish vessels captured, one can imagine how many weapons were acquired. With the British favor of cutlasses in the larger 'armory' equipment, one would wonder how many of these were kept in service with naval vessels. It seems likely that these kinds of axes easily found use in the private sector for utility use as well as many fire brigades adopted them. The later versions of fire axes following the features of these were smaller. Whatever the case, these are notably rare naval weapons as evidenced by descriptions and of course, prices, in auction and sale venues. Magnificent example, and well placed in the Eley Maritime Museum Attached Images

10th March 2025, 09:15 PM	#3
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	I would like to thank our Forum's own CC/Cutlass Collector for his monumental page on boarding axes in helping me identify this piece. CC, your resource is really the best I found online or elsewhere, so unless there is an old moldy copy of a book on entrebil written in Swedish somewhere, you ARE the source! Here is an attachment- https://www.boardingaxe.com/ http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...avian+boarding

10th March 2025, 10:17 PM	#5
CutlassCollector Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scotland Posts: 343	Hi Mark, Great to see a boarding axe! Congrats. That's a lovely example of the 1780 type Swedish and like you say so much bigger than all other boarding axes. Also intact with the long original handle with mid point swelling and those long langets with the wrap around ends. Nice find. I do not recall seeing many markings on Swedish axes, so I can't help with the stamp. There is an X or a circle with an X in it that appears sometimes. I think that may be an 'out of service' mark like the reverse arrow mark that the Brits used. Thanks for the kind comments on the Boarding Axe website! CC

11th March 2025, 02:46 PM	#6
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	Thanks for responding, CC! I meant every word of praise! It is interesting that I purchased this through an antiques dealer in Dorking, Suffolk. He said it came from an 'old collection', so I wonder if perhaps this might be one of those axes brought back from either of the two Copenhagen battles. There is no marking corresponding to 'out of service' that I see, but who knows?

12th March 2025, 12:55 AM	#7
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	In mentioning the relatively late appearance of cutlasses/swords in the Swedish navy, here's an old thread concerning such- http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7180 I thought it was relevant as it does seem to support why Danish and Swedish boarding axes were battle implements back in the day before naval swords made their appearance-

4th April 2025, 03:09 AM	#9
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	Thanks for replying, Jim. It is true that these types of axes are indeed from a very specific area of collecting, but a very fascinating area given the time period and activity for these. The Age of Fighting Sail mostly came to a conclusion close to the mid-19th century, with the advent of steam-driven ships, ironclads and the very fast China Sea clippers. Cannons were transitioning over from smooth bore to shells, from swivel guns at the rail to turreted rifled cannons. Even the guns were changing from single shot flint-locks to multi-shot cartridge pistols. Things like boarding pikes and cutlasses were rapidly becoming obsolescent. Gone were the days of close-melee fighting on the deck, grappling hooks being flung into the enemies' rigging and planks being dropped between ships to assist the boarding parties crossing. These iconic weapons and tools from this era represent both graphic ferocity and blood-letting, but also true adventure, bravery beyond belief and the dedication of these sailors to their home nation. Thanks for that pic, BTW! It is exactly what I think of when I imagine how it must have been!