American Boarding Axes
 

Hi all,

I am researching US boarding axes (1797-1860) with the aim of improving the current knowledge and identifying the variants.

So far I have had a great response from collectors in the US and several museums but I am still looking for more information - so if you have one of these axes, even if it is in relic condition or only the head, please contact me. I will respect your privacy.
I am mainly looking for markings/description and basic measurements and perhaps a photo if it's a variant that I don't yet have an image for.

In particular I am seeking more information on the following:

Boarding axes that are marked as made by the Navy Yards of Boston or New York.
Unmarked axes or ones that were made by manufacturers other than the US Navy.
1812 model axes with the solid dome variation - that is the langets are formed from one piece of metal forming a solid dome over the eye.
Any variant of what is often termed the TYPE II - shown in the middle in the drawing below.

Regards,
David

wow thats a great topic. Will your research end up in book form? I'm always interested in a good history book!

We can only hope, Spotted Bull! David has done thorough research on this elusive subject (boarding axes of all nations, for that matter) and has a great web page to match. Hope others might have some ideas or suggestions...

What is his web page?

Here:


http://www.boardingaxe.com/index.html

Hi Spottedbull,

I hope to have a paper published in the Arms and Armour journal later in the year. I had one published last year on British Boarding axes.
Once it's written I will update the American page on the website - as you can see it is fairly light on content.
There are very few survivors of these axes so if you have one or know anyone who does - please send a private message.
There are maybe only 5 or so of the first two types which have survived, although there are more of the 1812 model, so every one is important. I plan on visiting the USS Constitution museum this summer to view their collection.

Thanks Mark and Fernando for the kind words and the link.
Regards,
David.