March 15-17, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/15/2022
Attractive example of an early bearded axe influenced by the French style. The axe features a massive bearded blade that measures approximately 10 - 7/8" in length down the cutting edge. The head is hand forged and exhibits a clear but unidentified marking that bears striking similarities to markings found on axe heads of the same circa which were excavated around the Bay of Biscay. Similarly styled and marked axe heads have also been found in North America, as Basque and French ship crews sporadically traded their axes while on annual fishing and whaling voyages off Newfoundland and the Gulf of the St. Lawrence. The axe also features a long wood haft with two iron straps on each side, which are held in place by four nails each. The haft is likely a later replacement and is marked "1B" or "IB" just beneath the straps. CONDITION: The head exhibits clear forging flaws and delamination is evident throughout its shape. Pitting is also evident throughout its construction with small areas of surface rust. The blade exhibits various chips and dents. The haft exhibits handling wear with scattered dents and scratches. Overall good. JLD
Item Dimensions: L: 46"