Boarding Axe by Gilpin?
Attended my first Arms and Armour Fair last weekend and was amazed by the many hundreds of swords and weapons on display. The dealers, I found, were just as keen to share their knowledge and enthusiasm as to sell their wares. A great atmosphere and I will try to get to more.
Only a handful of cutlasses though and one lone boarding axe which I could not resist. A standard late pattern British with a faint broad arrow, 'N' and makers name, possibly Gilpin.
I associate that name more with 20th century fire axes but it seems authentic - can anyone tell me more about Gilpin's production dates and whether there are other examples of their boarding axes?
Incidentally the seller did not have credit card facilities and I did not have enough cash but he let me take it away on a tenner deposit and a handshake even though he knew I was heading for the airport. Good to know that some still understand the meaning of a deal done on one's word. CC.
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