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Old 1st September 2017, 11:29 AM   #1
CutlassCollector
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Default Pirate's Axe

Hi,

I have previously posted this in the ethnographic section thinking the blade, or blade shape may have come from India, but not much luck. So am re-posting here as a couple of members suggest European is more likely.

This axe lives in a museum and is marked as a boarding axe of unknown origin which is fair enough considering the langets, a lanyard ring and a belt hook. But the lack of a spike suggests more weapon than tool and because of this and the marine fittings I am thinking that it is a one of a kind pirate's personal weapon rather than a boarding axe.

It is 29.5 inches (75cm) long and the blade is 12 inches (30cm) and very sharp.

Any comment appreciated especially about the origin of the blade shape or the studded handle decoration?
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Old 1st September 2017, 12:29 PM   #2
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I would say it is a large Medieval double bearded axe. The shaft is younger than the head.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bearded_axe

I found this example on Pinterest:"European battle axe, ca.1100-1300".

https://www.pinterest.de/siresasa/hi...00-on/?lp=true


Regards,
Roland
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Old 1st September 2017, 02:09 PM   #3
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More axes from Haithabu, Viking Axes.
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Old 1st September 2017, 06:32 PM   #4
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Possibly a continental hunting accoutrement?
Best wishes
Richard
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Old 1st September 2017, 08:11 PM   #5
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The belt hook and general style has me thinking Eastern Europe, Poland, possibly Russia.
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Old 1st September 2017, 09:01 PM   #6
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Gorgeous piece, but I would agree with the others that this isn't a boarding ax per say. Of course, in the early periods of sail, ANY ax that went to sea could be contrived as a 'boarding ax'. The era of the classic boarding pieces started in the 1600's and were indeed patterned after the spiked, double bearded battle axes. The next 'pattern' to be seen were the fur trade axes coming over to the Americas in the 18th c. This piece being so early probably excludes it from maritime use. Still, the lanyard ring and belt hook throw me, as I've never seen early hunting axes with them.
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Old 2nd September 2017, 11:14 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by David R
The belt hook and general style has me thinking Eastern Europe, Poland, possibly Russia.
Thanks David, I had not thought of that area of the world. I'll have a look in that direction. CC
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Old 2nd September 2017, 11:12 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roland_M
I would say it is a large Medieval double bearded axe. The shaft is younger than the head.

I found this example on Pinterest:"European battle axe, ca.1100-1300".

https://www.pinterest.de/siresasa/hi...00-on/?lp=true

Regards,
Roland
Hi Roland,
Thanks for the links and the Viking axe shapes. The long handle goes well with the Scandinavian heritage, so could be a possibility.

CC
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Old 3rd November 2017, 01:08 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Roland_M
I would say it is a large Medieval double bearded axe. The shaft is younger than the head.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bearded_axe

I found this example on Pinterest:"European battle axe, ca.1100-1300".

https://www.pinterest.de/siresasa/hi...00-on/?lp=true


Regards,
Roland
Agreed. This is a composite, a period head and a fantasy decorated haft and hardware..
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