Four Big Axes

[CutlassCollector]

Close up comparison of heads of the four. CC

[kronckew]

love the shiney frenchy with the lighter brown haft.

[kisak]

Apart from the perhaps slight thinner back spike the Scandinavian one really does look spot on for the Swedish navy's boarding axe m/1780. Did the Danes really have a model that matches even better?

[CutlassCollector]

Hi Kisak,

Thats interesting, you may be correct and I have to agree it's a very close match to your axe even to the wood type. I chose between two drawings in a book the Swedish 1780 and a similar period Danish example, the latter seemed closer.

Mine has a mark that may help clarify, although it is not clear. It appears to be an inverted T shape, possibly a cross + with the lower part missing. This is overwritten by an X shaped cross in a circle and there is also another X on the blade to the right in the picture. I think these are de-commissioned, sold out of service marks similar to the British opposing broad arrow -><- which indicated the same.
Although I am not certain so any comments appreciated. CC

[Dmitry]

Originally Posted by CutlassCollector

Mine has a mark that may help clarify, although it is not clear. It appears to be an inverted T shape, possibly a cross + with the lower part missing. This is overwritten by an X shaped cross in a circle and there is also another X on the blade to the right in the picture. I think these are de-commissioned, sold out of service marks similar to the British opposing broad arrow -><- which indicated the same.
Although I am not certain so any comments appreciated. CC

Yes, it's a Swedish naval 'taken out of service' mark, the crossed circle.

Do you have up-close photos of the American axe head?

[CutlassCollector]

[QUOTE=Dmitry]Yes, it's a Swedish naval 'taken out of service' mark, the crossed circle.


Hi Dmitry,
Thanks for the confimation I figured it was probably that. Guess I still need to know whether the Danes used the same.
I have pm'd you with a link for more pictures. CC