Replica Axe

Jerseyman · 2nd July 2023, 12:20 AM

A recent acquisition - pretty sure from the patina that it's a modern replica. I bought it because I enjoy odd-looking things. I've not yet received it so have no accurate dimensions; these are the auction photos.

The auction blurb (not, of course, that we place any trust in the expertise of auction houses) - "A decorated green patinated double bladed hand axe, 42cm long"

Just wondering if anyone has any idea of what this is a copy?

Jerseyman · 13th July 2023, 01:34 AM

Originally my thinking was that this is a museum shop replica of some Mediterranean Bronze Age culture artifact. But doing some image research the only things I can find that have some similarities are pictures of bronze ceremonial axes from Rote Island Indonesia.

Do any members have such in their collection for comparison?

Battara · 20th July 2023, 03:54 AM

These replicas are based on real Dong Son cultural artifacts. I think that many of these being sold on the market now are replicas.

Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and the rest of that region were part of the Dong Son sphere of cultural influence.

Jerseyman · 30th August 2023, 09:02 PM

Thanks Battara - it's good to have something to go and research.

It's definitely a replica as I suspected. Just for the forum records here are the dimensions.

Length 41cm
Head width 18cm
Grip width 5.5cm
Grip depth 4cm
Weight 2.5kg/5lb 8oz

2nd July 2023, 12:20 AM	#1
Jerseyman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 97	Replica Axe A recent acquisition - pretty sure from the patina that it's a modern replica. I bought it because I enjoy odd-looking things. I've not yet received it so have no accurate dimensions; these are the auction photos. The auction blurb (not, of course, that we place any trust in the expertise of auction houses) - "A decorated green patinated double bladed hand axe, 42cm long" Just wondering if anyone has any idea of what this is a copy? Attached Images

13th July 2023, 01:34 AM	#2
Jerseyman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 97	Originally my thinking was that this is a museum shop replica of some Mediterranean Bronze Age culture artifact. But doing some image research the only things I can find that have some similarities are pictures of bronze ceremonial axes from Rote Island Indonesia. Do any members have such in their collection for comparison? Attached Images

20th July 2023, 03:54 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	These replicas are based on real Dong Son cultural artifacts. I think that many of these being sold on the market now are replicas. Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and the rest of that region were part of the Dong Son sphere of cultural influence.

30th August 2023, 09:02 PM	#4
Jerseyman Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 97	Thanks Battara - it's good to have something to go and research. It's definitely a replica as I suspected. Just for the forum records here are the dimensions. Length 41cm Head width 18cm Grip width 5.5cm Grip depth 4cm Weight 2.5kg/5lb 8oz