Pioneer Axe, Boarding Axe, Fire Axe or Something Else ?

[CutlassCollector]

Originally Posted by drac2k

17.5" tall(wooden shaft),the axe head is 9" long and the blade is 2.5".If it is a fire axe, I believe it to be for marine use. do you agree?

Ok. So that probably makes it a little on the large size for a personal belt carried hatchet.

I have looked through the books that I have that include axes - Salaman, Kauffman and even Neumann - but have found no clue to explain the grooves on the spike.
The secure fixing of the head with wedge and langets, which are too short to be defensive, suggests a hard working tool.

Tool, fire axe, trench axe? I can only guess.

[drac2k]

Thanks for your input, it is always valued.

[C4RL]

I have three fire hatchets, two antique & one modern, the spikes are tapered on all three.

My guess is your spike is for puncturing & the "fullers" are to let pressure escape, but like I say it's just a guess based on fighting knife fullers.

The strapped head is very typical on old hatchets & hammers, especially if they were expected to see any prying.

Very nice hatchet.

[drac2k]

Good call C4RL;I was thinking maybe a blood groove, but your theory makes much more sense.