Boarding Axe or Fire Axe

Atlantia · 27th February 2013, 06:18 PM

Intresting as it is identical to yours in all ways so we are clearly seeing a 'type' or pattern. The handle seems original as well. Also a very similar level of preservation and general condition.
Just finished on that well known site:
axe
So clearly some people DO see this exact type as boarding axes.

Atlantia · 27th February 2013, 06:27 PM

Oh frack!
Just noticed the identical woodworm holes and traces of black paint.
I've had it on watch for a week thinking "I must show that to Cutlass collector when it finishes" and it's the same bloody axe isn't it?

Can we have a smilie for facepalm?

CutlassCollector · 27th February 2013, 08:23 PM

Sorry Atlantia, I should maybe have said. It was offered to me directly, before being put up for sale, by someone that I had bought several items from in the past and I accepted on condition it was a boarding axe. The deal was cancelled with no hard feelings. It did not go up for sale on 'that site' until well after that.
I think that was within the rules and I have just re-read them, but correct me if I'm wrong. CC

M ELEY · 28th February 2013, 03:23 PM

Despite the later versions, I still vote that it could be a boarding piece. I think the consensus is, if you don't buy one that's gov't made (i.e. not a private purchase), you have to take a chance. I have one with a flared blade, rounded eye, beak-like Brit spike, forward and rear facing langets and signs aging, but the head looks just as 'shiny' or more than yours. I stand behind my model that it's private purchase mid-19th, but others might not agree-

CutlassCollector · 28th February 2013, 09:35 PM

Hi Mark,
Yes boarding axes are a minefield but I do appreciate the fact that forum members and especially both you and Gene will put your opinions down and allow the discussion to develop - how else can knowledge improve, especially for inexperienced collectors like myself. You may well be right on this one - I still change my mind every time I look at the pictures!

I found that axe from one of your threads a couple of years ago - great piece and interesting how it combines features from different models. Talking of envy - I have a feeling your collection may make my eyes pop!
CC

M ELEY · 1st March 2013, 02:32 AM

Thank you very much! I think with us collectors of naval, it is the passion for our field that keeps us going. Actually, as much as I love my collection, there are many here (Dmitry!!) that put my meagre stuff to shame! Be that as it may, still love trying to find the lost treasures. You yourself have some pretty amazing finds. It would seem many in Europe and the U.K. have better access than we do here in the States (just my observation. Could be wrong)

27th February 2013, 06:18 PM	#1
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Intresting as it is identical to yours in all ways so we are clearly seeing a 'type' or pattern. The handle seems original as well. Also a very similar level of preservation and general condition. Just finished on that well known site: axe So clearly some people DO see this exact type as boarding axes. Attached Images

27th February 2013, 06:27 PM	#2
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Oh frack! Just noticed the identical woodworm holes and traces of black paint. I've had it on watch for a week thinking "I must show that to Cutlass collector when it finishes" and it's the same bloody axe isn't it? Can we have a smilie for facepalm?

27th February 2013, 08:23 PM	#3
CutlassCollector Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scotland Posts: 322	Sorry Atlantia, I should maybe have said. It was offered to me directly, before being put up for sale, by someone that I had bought several items from in the past and I accepted on condition it was a boarding axe. The deal was cancelled with no hard feelings. It did not go up for sale on 'that site' until well after that. I think that was within the rules and I have just re-read them, but correct me if I'm wrong. CC

28th February 2013, 03:23 PM	#4
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,076	Despite the later versions, I still vote that it could be a boarding piece. I think the consensus is, if you don't buy one that's gov't made (i.e. not a private purchase), you have to take a chance. I have one with a flared blade, rounded eye, beak-like Brit spike, forward and rear facing langets and signs aging, but the head looks just as 'shiny' or more than yours. I stand behind my model that it's private purchase mid-19th, but others might not agree-

28th February 2013, 09:35 PM	#5
CutlassCollector Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scotland Posts: 322	Hi Mark, Yes boarding axes are a minefield but I do appreciate the fact that forum members and especially both you and Gene will put your opinions down and allow the discussion to develop - how else can knowledge improve, especially for inexperienced collectors like myself. You may well be right on this one - I still change my mind every time I look at the pictures! I found that axe from one of your threads a couple of years ago - great piece and interesting how it combines features from different models. Talking of envy - I have a feeling your collection may make my eyes pop! CC

1st March 2013, 02:32 AM	#6
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,076	Thank you very much! I think with us collectors of naval, it is the passion for our field that keeps us going. Actually, as much as I love my collection, there are many here (Dmitry!!) that put my meagre stuff to shame! Be that as it may, still love trying to find the lost treasures. You yourself have some pretty amazing finds. It would seem many in Europe and the U.K. have better access than we do here in the States (just my observation. Could be wrong)