Indo-persian Axe

Ian · 21st July 2014, 10:56 PM

A quick look through Egerton shows nothing particularly helpful.

There is a seller on eBay out of Rajasthan who has a current auction with a similar unmounted axe head. The method of fixation would be a little different but the overall appearance and thickness of the tangs is similar. To avoid violating forum rules I will PM you the name of the seller.

Ian.

Jim McDougall · 22nd July 2014, 05:04 AM

Just searching internet and found another similar, but apparently much larger example with same crescent style head and the twin attaching bars on the Ashoka arms site. It was sold, but identified as a large two hand Khond or Gond war axe from Chota Nagpur. This one had a 15" blade and 50" overall in size.
It is noted that the smaller axes of these tribes were called bullovas. It is interesting that this seems to be a smaller version of the large war axe and from these tribal groups....so if it is a smaller version, then perhaps it might be called a bullova as well? even if features don't exactly correspond.

russel · 2nd August 2014, 09:40 PM

Apologies for the late reply.

I am kicking myself a little for not bidding now. I had a good feeling about it: "Bullova" leapt into my mind when I first saw it. I think I was mainly put off by:

1. Similar recently made isolated axe heads currently on offer on eBay coming out of India (as Ian noted), had I noticed the Ashoka example I may have made a different decision. Although as I think about it, this one shows far better workmanship than the Rajasthan examples and good patina.

2. The lack of similar examples in any of my references or on the Forum (that has now changed).

3. Gamble (Page 66) goes so far as to say the ALL Bullova axes have the familiar socket arrangement. Admittedly not the best of references, but there is precious little out there on axes.

I missed an opportunity with this one. But one lives and learns (and learning is such fun).

I own a couple of the more traditional Bullova axes, I will certainly keep my eye out for this form in the future.

Thanks guys,
Russel

21st July 2014, 10:56 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,363	A quick look through Egerton shows nothing particularly helpful. There is a seller on eBay out of Rajasthan who has a current auction with a similar unmounted axe head. The method of fixation would be a little different but the overall appearance and thickness of the tangs is similar. To avoid violating forum rules I will PM you the name of the seller. Ian.

22nd July 2014, 05:04 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,194	Just searching internet and found another similar, but apparently much larger example with same crescent style head and the twin attaching bars on the Ashoka arms site. It was sold, but identified as a large two hand Khond or Gond war axe from Chota Nagpur. This one had a 15" blade and 50" overall in size. It is noted that the smaller axes of these tribes were called bullovas. It is interesting that this seems to be a smaller version of the large war axe and from these tribal groups....so if it is a smaller version, then perhaps it might be called a bullova as well? even if features don't exactly correspond.

2nd August 2014, 09:40 PM	#3
russel Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Tasmania, Australia Posts: 236	Apologies for the late reply. I am kicking myself a little for not bidding now. I had a good feeling about it: "Bullova" leapt into my mind when I first saw it. I think I was mainly put off by: 1. Similar recently made isolated axe heads currently on offer on eBay coming out of India (as Ian noted), had I noticed the Ashoka example I may have made a different decision. Although as I think about it, this one shows far better workmanship than the Rajasthan examples and good patina. 2. The lack of similar examples in any of my references or on the Forum (that has now changed). 3. Gamble (Page 66) goes so far as to say the ALL Bullova axes have the familiar socket arrangement. Admittedly not the best of references, but there is precious little out there on axes. I missed an opportunity with this one. But one lives and learns (and learning is such fun). I own a couple of the more traditional Bullova axes, I will certainly keep my eye out for this form in the future. Thanks guys, Russel