Scandinavian Boarding Axe

CutlassCollector · 26th October 2013, 02:51 PM

I have recently acquired these two Scandinavian boarding axes but I cannot identify them exactly. They are a similar to the 1780 Swedish model - see picture 3 for comparison - but whether they came before or after, or were private purchase I cannot tell. I would also like to narrow down the country of origin - any ideas?

It is interesting that the axes are still together after all this time and probably came from the same ship. Although, at first glance, they look very similar there are many small variations in size and shape. Even the handles are a slightly different diameter and length, but both have had some black coating which is mostly worn away or been removed. It makes me think that these axes were individually hand made .

The heads were rusted and no clear marking showed up after cleaning off the rust. Knowing my usually flawed optimism in deciphering numbers and letters, when none are there, from surface defects and corrosion marks, I hesitate to suggest that the marks in picture four are the remains of a logo but as similar, fainter, marks appear on both axes on both sides of the head I think it worth risking the embarrassment! Outline of a bird with feathers or tool marks?
Any comments welcome. CC

26th October 2013, 02:51 PM	#1
CutlassCollector Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scotland Posts: 343	Scandinavian Boarding Axe I have recently acquired these two Scandinavian boarding axes but I cannot identify them exactly. They are a similar to the 1780 Swedish model - see picture 3 for comparison - but whether they came before or after, or were private purchase I cannot tell. I would also like to narrow down the country of origin - any ideas? It is interesting that the axes are still together after all this time and probably came from the same ship. Although, at first glance, they look very similar there are many small variations in size and shape. Even the handles are a slightly different diameter and length, but both have had some black coating which is mostly worn away or been removed. It makes me think that these axes were individually hand made . The heads were rusted and no clear marking showed up after cleaning off the rust. Knowing my usually flawed optimism in deciphering numbers and letters, when none are there, from surface defects and corrosion marks, I hesitate to suggest that the marks in picture four are the remains of a logo but as similar, fainter, marks appear on both axes on both sides of the head I think it worth risking the embarrassment! Outline of a bird with feathers or tool marks? Any comments welcome. CC Attached Images