Napoleonic Sapper's Ax, Boarding Ax or just a Fireman's Ax ?

CutlassCollector · 21st March 2017, 12:55 PM

The dimensions of an 1833 French boarding axe are approx: overall length 21", blade to point of spike 9.5", weight 2.5 pounds. Lots of variations of course but that gives the general idea.
My biggest boarding axe is a Swedish 1780 model. Length 37", blade to point 11", weight 3.5 pounds.
Boarding axes are light for fast work whether chopping through burning rigging or breaking heads.

Your axe is a major work horse. Google Large French Fire axe and you'll find similar. One like yours dated 1800s - but I think date is wrong.

Regards CC

21st March 2017, 12:55 PM	#5
CutlassCollector Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scotland Posts: 343	The dimensions of an 1833 French boarding axe are approx: overall length 21", blade to point of spike 9.5", weight 2.5 pounds. Lots of variations of course but that gives the general idea. My biggest boarding axe is a Swedish 1780 model. Length 37", blade to point 11", weight 3.5 pounds. Boarding axes are light for fast work whether chopping through burning rigging or breaking heads. Your axe is a major work horse. Google Large French Fire axe and you'll find similar. One like yours dated 1800s - but I think date is wrong. Regards CC