Model Of 1780 Scandinavian Boarding Axe

Here we have a very interesting example of an 18th century boarding axe, it appears to be of Swedish design and the model that emerged in the 1780’s. With the similarities between Sweden, Norway and Denmark when it comes to naval equipment largely due to shifting borders and military contact.

A very interesting piece compared to other nations boarding axes due to the fact that the Scandinavian nations adopted cutlasses for the common sailor far later than the rest of the world, primarily arming their navies with boarding axes and pikes.

The axe is a long shaft of dark hardwood with black staining. The axe head is attached by a pair of languets on the fore and the back of the shaft.

The axe head is a bearded axe with a large spike rear end. The axe head is unmarked and painted mostly with pitch.

There is a mark on the base of the shaft ‘N2IES’ which is most likely a rack number.

~ Dimensions ~

The axe head is 11 inches (28 cm) long.

The axe is 35 inches (89 cm) long.

The axe weighs 1.95 Kg.

~ Condition ~

The axe is in good condition for its age, it has been in a previous display collection and is of museum quality.

There is some damage to the paint and a dark patina on the languets.

ref. GS8502357 / MLAE00X2LP31FF4GL12F