BROAD AXE

Description: Broad ax has a 78cm oval, wooden handle with scroll end and wide, metal arc curvature single-edged head. The head of ax is 6cm wide where it connects to the handle and then it gradually curves out to a 30.5cm rounded rounded blade. Axe head is flat with a single edge blade extremely knicked and c…

Description: Broad ax has a 78cm oval, wooden handle with scroll end and wide, metal arc curvature single-edged head. The head of ax is 6cm wide where it connects to the handle and then it gradually curves out to a 30.5cm rounded rounded blade. Axe head is flat with a single edge blade extremely knicked and chipped on the edge. Visible cast marks on head of ax 'MADE IN GERMANY'.

History Of Use: This broad axe was a common pattern on the European Continent - Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium and others. As saw mills and other factories were scarce or did not exist, the workmen developed different patterns for all the different work done by hand - window frames, beams, doors, joining and falling trees, shipbuilding, etc. These axes are quite common in Europe and are regularly found at markets, sales, dealers and throughout the countryside. "Everyone used an axe!" This particular axe has a chisel-edge used for squaring logs for beams and other carpenter work. All axes in B.C.were probably used in B.C. but some were brought by the immigrants. Since about the 1850's, the U.S.A. made axes in factories which were an easy available choice for B.C. workmen. There was regular sea trade to San Francisco and the pioneer hardware stores advertised the well-known brands such as DOUGLAS AXE CO. - BOSTON for example. So there was not a regular trade with Europe except for English axes, which were not up to the U.S. quality and therefore not as popular. Information was provided by Allan Klenman of 407 - 3260 Quadra St., Victoria, BC V8X 1G2