The one that got away...

M ELEY · 2nd February 2010, 05:58 AM

I'm so depressed... I watched this one up until the end, but didn't have the $$$ to bid

http://cgi.ebay.com/OLD-FIRE-FIGHTER...item35a63d9304

Although later British fire axes closely resemble their earlier boarding axe cousins, I am convinced that this one was the real McCoy. A boarding axe, that is, mid-19th c., undoubtedly private purchase. Note the rounded cap that resembles the govt naval issue boarding pieces. The later fire axes had more subtle heads that didn't look like this. Also, note the wicked down-curved spike and extended haft. Not tremendously different than the Brit fire axe, but enough to make it stand out. Finally, I believe the "twine" around the haft acting as grip to be typical sailor marline knotwork. Now, if you will excure me, I'm going off into a corner to cry...

Unless someone doesn't agree (believe me, I'd be happy to be wrong)

2nd February 2010, 05:58 AM	#1
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,070	The one that got away... I'm so depressed... I watched this one up until the end, but didn't have the $$$ to bid http://cgi.ebay.com/OLD-FIRE-FIGHTER...item35a63d9304 Although later British fire axes closely resemble their earlier boarding axe cousins, I am convinced that this one was the real McCoy. A boarding axe, that is, mid-19th c., undoubtedly private purchase. Note the rounded cap that resembles the govt naval issue boarding pieces. The later fire axes had more subtle heads that didn't look like this. Also, note the wicked down-curved spike and extended haft. Not tremendously different than the Brit fire axe, but enough to make it stand out. Finally, I believe the "twine" around the haft acting as grip to be typical sailor marline knotwork. Now, if you will excure me, I'm going off into a corner to cry... Unless someone doesn't agree (believe me, I'd be happy to be wrong)