Indo-persian axe... maybe?

russel · 30th June 2013, 04:49 AM

I would like some thoughts on this “indo-persian” axe which I have had for a while. What is it? Or (perhaps) what is it trying to be?
Length 27 inches; Weight 983g – surprisingly light in the hand, to the point that I had to confirm that it was ferrous (it could easily be mistaken as Aluminium). The axe-blade displays distinct distal taper and a few forge-creases. The shaft seems to have a weld line running it’s length. All welds seem pretty rough. Is it an amateur or tourist effort?
The overall design seems rather strange to me. It seems similar to a Fakir crutch, although an axe seems an unlikely weapon for a holy man! It also looks to be somewhat awkward, I can imagine the “crutch” being caught on all manner of things during the heat of battle.
As usual, all thoughts and comments gratefully received.

Timo Nieminen · 30th June 2013, 06:57 AM

Casting lines on the "crutch", the crutch looks electrowelded to the rest of the head: modern, I think.

Weld lines on the haft mean that at least it isn't just a piece of modern pipe.

I don't think almost 1kg is at all light for this kind of thing; my small Indo-Persian axes (mostly modern repros, but one might be a (newish) old one) vary from just under 550g to just over 650g. But you are the one who has had it in hand, and can judge how heavy you think it should be from the size. If it's much lighter than you think, is it possible that the head is hollow?

(These things can be measured, and easily enough, though at the cost of wetting it.)

30th June 2013, 04:49 AM	#1
russel Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Tasmania, Australia Posts: 236	Indo-persian axe... maybe? I would like some thoughts on this “indo-persian” axe which I have had for a while. What is it? Or (perhaps) what is it trying to be? Length 27 inches; Weight 983g – surprisingly light in the hand, to the point that I had to confirm that it was ferrous (it could easily be mistaken as Aluminium). The axe-blade displays distinct distal taper and a few forge-creases. The shaft seems to have a weld line running it’s length. All welds seem pretty rough. Is it an amateur or tourist effort? The overall design seems rather strange to me. It seems similar to a Fakir crutch, although an axe seems an unlikely weapon for a holy man! It also looks to be somewhat awkward, I can imagine the “crutch” being caught on all manner of things during the heat of battle. As usual, all thoughts and comments gratefully received. Attached Images

30th June 2013, 06:57 AM	#2
Timo Nieminen Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 422	Casting lines on the "crutch", the crutch looks electrowelded to the rest of the head: modern, I think. Weld lines on the haft mean that at least it isn't just a piece of modern pipe. I don't think almost 1kg is at all light for this kind of thing; my small Indo-Persian axes (mostly modern repros, but one might be a (newish) old one) vary from just under 550g to just over 650g. But you are the one who has had it in hand, and can judge how heavy you think it should be from the size. If it's much lighter than you think, is it possible that the head is hollow? (These things can be measured, and easily enough, though at the cost of wetting it.)