Axe for ID and comments

[fernando]

Just acquired this one. Said to be a combat axe, but hardy we see non combat axes for sale ;) . Also said to be XVIII century … and from the Baltic region.
I wonder if you guys are familiar with this sort of thing and favor me with your precious opinions. The handle is modern; no doubt about that.

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[Marcus den toom]

my first impresion was indeed something scandinavian/baltic.
I searched a few auctions in which i expected to find similair items. But allas, i didn't find any.
The thing that comes to my mind is.. why does it only have one axe blade? where is the hammer/spike etc at the other side? Most weapon axes i know of do have double functions (just like the Halbeard and all the variations on them)
A closecombat weapon has a disadvantage if it only has one function.
Though on the other hand.. the scandinavian/ baltic people are known for there fearlessness and pushforward way of attacking, so the need for a dual functional weapon might have been to much of a "luxury"

Much talk about nothing form my side, hopefully a real expert will show up :)

[broadaxe]

Have seen one or two axes in the past, I'm afraid it's not European at all, but from north-west India (Sind), as evident from the polygonal socket and decoration. Thin blade means it IS a combat axe.

[fernando]

Thank you for your comments.
I confess i would be rather disappointed if this were not European :shrug: .
Will request the transfer of this thread to the Ethno section, to check opinions there.
Very glad that in principle is a combat example, though :)

[Iain]

This is a sold listing so ok to link I guess. Shows similar style of the socket.

http://akaalarms.com/sold-antique-saddle-axe-from-north-west-india-afghanistan-ref-10149/

[fernando]

Thanks Iain,
Yes, the socketing is rather similar but, the rest, is so different; what do you think ? :o

[Iain]

It's so far out of my normal area, I wouldn't want to commit to an opinion! :D However I've seen a huge variety in axe head shapes from India, I've been trying to find something similar to yours but no luck as of yet.

[Lee]

I do not know where it is from, but it could be European; I do know that I like it!

[fernando]

Thank you Lee. I am glad that you like it; this will back my own taste :cool: .
Will have to wait till someone pops up with a certainty abut its origin.

[fernando]

I thought some further comments may come from this side of the Forum :cool:

[colin henshaw]

Might be a Native American tomahawk head on a modern shaft ?

[fernando]

I thought some further comments may come from this side of the Forum :cool:

[fernando]

Might be a Native American tomahawk head on a modern shaft ?

Sorry Colin; didn't check your post :o .
Let me digest that ... although i find it hard to find Native American stuff this side of the pond.