Early Islamic(?) Battle Axe

Jim McDougall · 18th June 2009, 10:48 PM

Hi Rick,
Surprised this has not received more attention, at first thought this might be variation of Russian bardiche, but now believe Polish axe, probably mid to late 17th century. The stamped marking may, as you have noted, be a tamga, an ancient ancestral marking form that became foundation in degree for many heraldric devices, those in Poland in particular.
The Russian bardiche has more elaborately profiled blade, but the contact of the bottom of blade with haft characteristic.

All the best,
Jim

RSWORD · 19th June 2009, 02:33 AM

Hey Jim,

I have had quite a few great "offline" discussions about this piece and as you have mentioned the consensus is starting to point towards a Polish origin for this one and the marking being some kind of tamgha makes a lot of sense. Now, we just need to find out if it is a known clan mark or not. I appreciate all the feedback and assistance I have received in researching a type of item we don't often get to discuss here on the forum.

18th June 2009, 10:48 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,593	Hi Rick, Surprised this has not received more attention, at first thought this might be variation of Russian bardiche, but now believe Polish axe, probably mid to late 17th century. The stamped marking may, as you have noted, be a tamga, an ancient ancestral marking form that became foundation in degree for many heraldric devices, those in Poland in particular. The Russian bardiche has more elaborately profiled blade, but the contact of the bottom of blade with haft characteristic. All the best, Jim

19th June 2009, 02:33 AM	#2
RSWORD Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 1,089	Hey Jim, I have had quite a few great "offline" discussions about this piece and as you have mentioned the consensus is starting to point towards a Polish origin for this one and the marking being some kind of tamgha makes a lot of sense. Now, we just need to find out if it is a known clan mark or not. I appreciate all the feedback and assistance I have received in researching a type of item we don't often get to discuss here on the forum.