Broadax

Object Name:

Broadax

Object ID:

1990.069.04

Description:

Broad axe. Wood, iron, and steel. Medium brown hardwood handle. Overall length of handle is 22.3". At base of handle, 1.9" wide, 1.1" thick. Handle oval in cross section. It becomes wider near socket and head, 2.4" wide at socket. Socket body: 3.2" wide, 1.4" thick. Socket ~2.7" wide, 1" deep. Oval in cross section. Flared shoulders on either side of hole of socket body. Solid area adjacent to hole ~1" thick. Solid area slightly peened over from edges having been struck. Socket body then curves outward and forward towards blade edge. At its maximum, blade edge 7.3" from socket hole. Blade edge curved. Blade cutting length 8.1". From edge to-edge, blade curves outward at one point, 2". Blade edge beveled on both sides. Bevel ~0.4" wide. Blade body, adjacent to bevel, 2.9" thick. Some evidence of folding and welding of socket body on blade side. Juncture of steel and wrought iron portion not as evident. Side of blade stamped in rectangular pattern, serrations on at least two edges of mark. Stamped "F[RE]NCH" in rectangle. On bottom edge of blade body, slightly flattened and swollen area where it appears to have been struck several times; also on socket body.

Material:

Metal
Wood
Steel

Dimensions:

H-23.5 W-11.2 D-1.6 inches Weight-126.9 oz

Provenance:

From Powers family homestead on Route 101 in Dublin, NH. Part of collection owned by Stanley E. Powers until his death in 1989. Donated by his widow, Grace Powers.

Credit Line:

Gift of Grace F. Powers, in memory of Stanley E. Powers

People:

Powers, Stanley E. (1900-1989), Powers, Grace F. (1902-1999)