Spiked hatchet ID

[Jeff H]

Hi folks,

I found this small spiked hatchet at one of my colonial era homesites some time back. I've never been quite able to make a positive ID on it. It was pretty crusty when I dug it but it cleaned up nicely under electrolysis. Unfortunately part of the spike is broken off. But if you have any information on this type of hatchet, I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

Jeff

 

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[gunsil]

Ginseng axe or hatchet.

 

[ARC]

Sorry about the RT (response time) Jeff... :P

Anyway... IMO... you have a child's / youth "boarding axe"... Austrian perhaps.

 

[ARC]

You may find this interesting...

 

[ARC]

Oh... I want to prove a point I made earlier in the thread which prompted your msg Jeff...

In an attempt to show how everyone has an opinion on axes ... their origins... uses etc... Lets use yours for an example...

Ok...

Lets start with myself... I first thought on first glance that yours is British... BUT... I found several Austrian that look the part as well... BUT THEN I saw a French one... all claiming the fame.

Then I see some just listed as "pick axe" etc... so this is what leads to the confusion out there.

 

[Kray Gelder]

Those Austrian kids ALWAYS get the cool toys!

 

[Jeff H]

Ginseng axe or hatchet.

Thanks Gunsil. I wasn't even aware of such a thing but it does resemble one.

 

[Jeff H]

Oh... I want to prove a point I made earlier in the thread which prompted your msg Jeff...

In an attempt to show how everyone has an opinion on axes ... their origins... uses etc... Lets use yours for an example...

Ok...

Lets start with myself... I first thought on first glance that yours is British... BUT... I found several Austrian that look the part as well... BUT THEN I saw a French one... all claiming the fame.

Then I see some just listed as "pick axe" etc... so this is what leads to the confusion out there.

Thanks ARC. Yeah I agree it's got similarities to several different types. While researching your and Gunsil's leads, I came across a "riflemen's belt hatchet" that fit the bill as well. It just seems too small for a weapon though, just not enough stopping power. Though with a long handle it could cause a severe injury.