Posted 13 years ago
Picker
(3 items)
Purchase this from an estate. I assume it is an 1850's Fireman's Axe from what I can find on the internet. Would love to know more, is it hand forged? appears to have been painted for parades? Does not seem to have any markings.
Parade fire axes like this were popularly used from the 1800s to the early 1900s instead of the end men carrying rifles in color guards in the front of fire companies parades. They would carry them with the axe head over one shoulder with the end in their hand. Fire companies did also use axes of this type for firefighting but would keep some just for parade and ceremonial use.
Dave
I assume they are collectable, are they fairly common, do they have much value?
Picker, keep an eye on this one and see how it goes.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Antique-Viking-Fire-Ax-/370474734102?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item564203d216#ht_500wt_1156
Thanks, YardSaleDave, I appreciate it.
Yours is in much better condition, this was just the first one I found.
YardSaleDave, the beat up one you found me on ebay went for $351 plus shipping. 3 people bid and the guy whopurchased it had a history of buying similiar items. Thanks again!