GUN FALL 2017
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.
RARE AND FINE "WAR OF 1812" US REGULATION NAVAL BATTLE AX.Desirable early 19th century naval boarding ax stamped on 5″ blade "U.S., NYW, JT". The "NYW" denotes manufacture at the Navy Yard Washington. "JT" stands for the inspector, Captain Joseph Tarbell (1780-1815), who inspected naval weapons at the Navy Yard during the War of 1812. Hasp is almost 2′ long with correct bulbous end. Identical specimen is noted on pg 3 in Col. Robert Rankin's text Small Arms of the Sea Services, 1972 and notes that these are quite rare. This is among one of the nicest examples that I have encountered. There is a thick layer of old black paint covering iron which appears contemporary to time in the Navy. We know that naval arms were continuously painted to protect from sea salt. The markings are much better then normally seen and the haft has a fine surface. SIZE: CONDITION: Very good to fine overall. Iron is fairly smooth with areas of pitting visible below paint though mostly smooth. Haft is sound and solid with hand worn patina, the only defect being a large 1-1/2" chip out of bulbous end of haft on reverse. 52693-1 JS (7,000-9,000)