Maker's Mark?

Hotspur · 30th June 2025, 02:34 AM

Isn't the notch a nail lift?

Jim McDougall · 30th June 2025, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hotspur

Isn't the notch a nail lift?

It was for both, there are references noting both functions. It seems in a number of cases, the notches were added later.

mgolab · 30th June 2025, 01:36 PM

Jim:

Thanks for the in-depth response and analysis here. It is excellent and I appreciate it.

I purchased this axe from a picker in Florida, so I initially thought that it had a Spanish connection but who knows whether the axe originated there. The picker claimed so.

I initially purchased the axe thinking that it was a spike tomahawk but when I received it, it appeared slightly too heavy and large (9.75 inches and 1.5 pounds). However, having handled a number of spike tomahawks, the size and weight is not outside the realm of possibility. Also what struck me as interesting was the detailed beveling on the spike end-certainly pointing to European manufacturing but perhaps too well done for a trade item(?). In terms of spike tomahawks, the spatulate blade and double round ears appear to be the earliest in form. Late 17th Century to early 18th Century.

That certainly does appear to be a Cross of Lorraine, which I know appeared on French trade silver in the 17th Century.

Finally, your initial response struck me as interesting, a "horseman axe". When I revisited the axe earlier this week, that was my gut reaction. I am curious whether this piece started life in Europe as a horseman axe, later traded in North American.

Interested Party · 30th June 2025, 02:23 PM

Is the edge beveled evenly on both sides or was it chisel ground at one time?

mgolab · 30th June 2025, 02:35 PM

looks like it is evenly beveled. hand forged, but evenly as possible.

Jim McDougall · 30th June 2025, 03:25 PM

It does seem that some early Spanish spike axes had that disc type head center early in 18th, but as always so much variation. They had shorter and downturned spikes.

The beveled feature at spike stem reminded me of some horsemans axes of S. Germany late 16th into 17th. which went in line with the overall finished and decorative character of weapons in these times.

As always, weapons tend to have as range in size, often aligned with physical characteristics and circumstances. I had thought with this example with the blade more in character with poll type axes and woodsman axes this would be large for spike axe, but that thinking seems incorrect.

Sorry to not be more help with the mark, but most of these seem to have been unrecorded, or with records long since gone.

mgolab · 30th June 2025, 04:13 PM

Thanks again Jim.

Not sure why, but my gut is telling me that the "L" and cross of lorraine is some sort of armorer mark.

30th June 2025, 02:34 AM	#1
Hotspur Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Nipmuc USA Posts: 526	Isn't the notch a nail lift?

30th June 2025, 01:36 PM	#3
mgolab Member Join Date: Jun 2023 Posts: 104	Jim: Thanks for the in-depth response and analysis here. It is excellent and I appreciate it. I purchased this axe from a picker in Florida, so I initially thought that it had a Spanish connection but who knows whether the axe originated there. The picker claimed so. I initially purchased the axe thinking that it was a spike tomahawk but when I received it, it appeared slightly too heavy and large (9.75 inches and 1.5 pounds). However, having handled a number of spike tomahawks, the size and weight is not outside the realm of possibility. Also what struck me as interesting was the detailed beveling on the spike end-certainly pointing to European manufacturing but perhaps too well done for a trade item(?). In terms of spike tomahawks, the spatulate blade and double round ears appear to be the earliest in form. Late 17th Century to early 18th Century. That certainly does appear to be a Cross of Lorraine, which I know appeared on French trade silver in the 17th Century. Finally, your initial response struck me as interesting, a "horseman axe". When I revisited the axe earlier this week, that was my gut reaction. I am curious whether this piece started life in Europe as a horseman axe, later traded in North American.

30th June 2025, 02:23 PM	#4
Interested Party Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Eastern Sierra Posts: 506	Is the edge beveled evenly on both sides or was it chisel ground at one time?

30th June 2025, 02:35 PM	#5
mgolab Member Join Date: Jun 2023 Posts: 104	looks like it is evenly beveled. hand forged, but evenly as possible.

30th June 2025, 03:25 PM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,510	It does seem that some early Spanish spike axes had that disc type head center early in 18th, but as always so much variation. They had shorter and downturned spikes. The beveled feature at spike stem reminded me of some horsemans axes of S. Germany late 16th into 17th. which went in line with the overall finished and decorative character of weapons in these times. As always, weapons tend to have as range in size, often aligned with physical characteristics and circumstances. I had thought with this example with the blade more in character with poll type axes and woodsman axes this would be large for spike axe, but that thinking seems incorrect. Sorry to not be more help with the mark, but most of these seem to have been unrecorded, or with records long since gone.

30th June 2025, 04:13 PM	#7
mgolab Member Join Date: Jun 2023 Posts: 104	Thanks again Jim. Not sure why, but my gut is telling me that the "L" and cross of lorraine is some sort of armorer mark.