Pirate Bullova Axe?

BBJW · 28th August 2017, 12:23 AM

For what it's worth it doesn't look Indian to me, but European.--bj

PS- I should have added that it seems a bit long for a naval boarding axe and naval axes usually had a spike to help pull away fallen rigging. The head also IMHO looks 'recycled'. Nice piece.- bj

CutlassCollector · 28th August 2017, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBJW

For what it's worth it doesn't look Indian to me, but European.--bj

PS- I should have added that it seems a bit long for a naval boarding axe and naval axes usually had a spike to help pull away fallen rigging. The head also IMHO looks 'recycled'. Nice piece.- bj

Hi Bj,

Yes I agree boarding axes generally have spikes and don't look like this at all. I think this is a one of a kind personal weapon. The lanyard ring and belt hook make me think naval but I am open to all suggestions.
Scandinavian boarding axes were often around this length or even longer so European is still an option.

CC

kronckew · 28th August 2017, 11:18 AM

wow. gorgeous axe. i'm jealous. i agree with the european personal weapon analysis. the belt clip screams maritime.

only the officers on naval vessels were allowed personal weapons beyond their utility knives, tho of course that did not apply to merchies, privateers and pirates. they were normally just issued as part of the 'beat to quarters'. for those who wonder what that was: a drummer would beat out the rhythm that signaled general quarters - all hands man your battle stations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9tmPVvi7uo (less the cymbals tho)

most boarding axes were fairly long, and while they were certainly used as weapons, they were mostly for clearing & cutting away rigging and breaching doors/barricades, etc. and were a bit cumbersome. you'd likely lose against a sword or pike. this one looks light and very deadly.

28th August 2017, 12:23 AM	#1
BBJW Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Idaho, USA Posts: 228	For what it's worth it doesn't look Indian to me, but European.--bj PS- I should have added that it seems a bit long for a naval boarding axe and naval axes usually had a spike to help pull away fallen rigging. The head also IMHO looks 'recycled'. Nice piece.- bj Last edited by BBJW; 28th August 2017 at 12:36 AM. Reason: additional thought

28th August 2017, 11:18 AM	#3
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,224	wow. gorgeous axe. i'm jealous. i agree with the european personal weapon analysis. the belt clip screams maritime. only the officers on naval vessels were allowed personal weapons beyond their utility knives, tho of course that did not apply to merchies, privateers and pirates. they were normally just issued as part of the 'beat to quarters'. for those who wonder what that was: a drummer would beat out the rhythm that signaled general quarters - all hands man your battle stations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9tmPVvi7uo (less the cymbals tho) most boarding axes were fairly long, and while they were certainly used as weapons, they were mostly for clearing & cutting away rigging and breaching doors/barricades, etc. and were a bit cumbersome. you'd likely lose against a sword or pike. this one looks light and very deadly.