Remains of collection of antique/ancient axes for ID.

Atlantia · 17th March 2011, 12:06 AM

About 20ish years ago I bought a collection of very antique English/European axes.
At the time I rehafted a couple (long gone now) but there is a limit to the amount of axes I can stomach having on the wall, the rest of them ended up stored away.
Anyhow, I've dug them out and would appreciate any thoughts on their origins. They ranged in date back to late medieval at the least (possibly earlier).
I'm unsure what I'll do with them, but of course IDing them is a first step.

#1: I've always thought is was some kind of battle axe (but I could of course be wrong!)

Weight is around 1300g. Dimensions as shown.

#2: This next one was labelled as medieval battle axe.
Dimensions as shown, weight around 800g.
Thoughts?

Atlantia · 17th March 2011, 12:08 AM

#3: Unknown type (probobly agricultural). Interesting initials 'H.P' on both sides.
Large size as shown, weight around 2.3kg

#4 Again an unknown type (probobly agricultural), in excavated condition.
Some deep pitting and loss of surface, dimensions as shown, weight just under 1400g.

Atlantia · 17th March 2011, 12:08 AM

#5: I think this is the last one (unless I find any more in the shed!)
Another unknown type (probobly agricultural).
Sizes as shown, weight 2150g

Matchlock · 18th March 2011, 04:45 PM

Hi Gene,

Though this is not my field of expertise I remember seeing axe blades like your #4 dated as early the 8th/9th c. (Continental Carolingian type).

Btw, I just noticed our number of posts was even as of today.

Best,
Michael

Matchlock · 18th March 2011, 06:30 PM

Nos. 1-3 I would tentatively attribute to the 17th c., no. 5 is in my opinion not far away in time from no. 4.

Just rough estimations though

- where are the experts? Broadaxe, wouldn't you like to join in?

Best,
Michael

Atlantia · 18th March 2011, 09:54 PM

Thank you Michael.
I was beginning to think that nobody was interested in these rusty old things

17th March 2011, 12:06 AM	#1
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Remains of collection of antique/ancient axes for ID. About 20ish years ago I bought a collection of very antique English/European axes. At the time I rehafted a couple (long gone now) but there is a limit to the amount of axes I can stomach having on the wall, the rest of them ended up stored away. Anyhow, I've dug them out and would appreciate any thoughts on their origins. They ranged in date back to late medieval at the least (possibly earlier). I'm unsure what I'll do with them, but of course IDing them is a first step. #1: I've always thought is was some kind of battle axe (but I could of course be wrong!) Weight is around 1300g. Dimensions as shown. #2: This next one was labelled as medieval battle axe. Dimensions as shown, weight around 800g. Thoughts?

17th March 2011, 12:08 AM	#2
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	#3: Unknown type (probobly agricultural). Interesting initials 'H.P' on both sides. Large size as shown, weight around 2.3kg #4 Again an unknown type (probobly agricultural), in excavated condition. Some deep pitting and loss of surface, dimensions as shown, weight just under 1400g. Last edited by Atlantia; 17th March 2011 at 09:12 AM.

18th March 2011, 04:45 PM	#4
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Gene, Though this is not my field of expertise I remember seeing axe blades like your #4 dated as early the 8th/9th c. (Continental Carolingian type). Btw, I just noticed our number of posts was even as of today. Best, Michael

18th March 2011, 06:30 PM	#5
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Nos. 1-3 I would tentatively attribute to the 17th c., no. 5 is in my opinion not far away in time from no. 4. Just rough estimations though - where are the experts? Broadaxe, wouldn't you like to join in? Best, Michael

18th March 2011, 09:54 PM	#6
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Thank you Michael. I was beginning to think that nobody was interested in these rusty old things