FINE LATE 18TH EARLY 19TH CENTURY U.S. NAVAL BOARDING AXE DESCENDING THROUGH THE FAMILY OF STEPHEN DECATUR.

FINE LATE 18TH EARLY 19TH CENTURY U.S. NAVAL BOARDING AXE DESCENDING THROUGH THE FAMILY OF STEPHEN DECATUR. This axe dates to the time period of Decatur’s Naval service and could very possibly have been used on board one of his ships or captured during the War of 1812; however there is no family documentation to affirm this. It is finely made axe, likely of American manufacture. Neither the axe nor the haft has discernible markings. Boarding the enemy ship was a common Naval tactic that was used from classical times and particularly during the 17th to 19th centuries when ships had to close into a distance short enough to maximize the efficiency of their relatively short-range artillery. Most British Naval vessels had specialist teams of “boarders” who would train to enter the enemy vessel when possible, kill and subdue the crew and seize control. The boarding axe was a very practical tool. The pick-like spike was used to fix into the ships side so that the user could clamor up and the blade itself was used to cut ropes. The axe could also of course be used as an all purpose tool and as a weapon. This particular axe has an unusual feature in the delicate arrow-shaped finial spike at the top. We have not encountered this device before. SIZE: Overall is approx. 20”l. CONDITION: The axe still retains its original period linen cover and is in fine condition. 9-97946 (1,000-3,000)

Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - Winter 2010

Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

Image	Lot	Price	Description
	2102	$6,900.00	FINE LATE 18TH EARLY 19TH CENTURY U.S. NAVAL BOARDING AXE DESCENDING THROUGH THE FAMILY OF STEPHEN DECATUR. This axe dates to the time period of Decatur’s Naval service and could very possibly have been used on board one of his ships or captured during the War of 1812; however there is no family documentation to affirm this. It is finely made axe, likely of American manufacture. Neither the axe nor the haft has discernible markings. Boarding the enemy ship was a common Naval tactic that was used from classical times and particularly during the 17th to 19th centuries when ships had to close into a distance short enough to maximize the efficiency of their relatively short-range artillery. Most British Naval vessels had specialist teams of “boarders” who would train to enter the enemy vessel when possible, kill and subdue the crew and seize control. The boarding axe was a very practical tool. The pick-like spike was used to fix into the ships side so that the user could clamor up and the blade itself was used to cut ropes. The axe could also of course be used as an all purpose tool and as a weapon. This particular axe has an unusual feature in the delicate arrow-shaped finial spike at the top. We have not encountered this device before. SIZE: Overall is approx. 20”l. CONDITION: The axe still retains its original period linen cover and is in fine condition. 9-97946 (1,000-3,000) Auction: Fine Art, Antiques & Asian - Winter 2010 Please Note: All prices include the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium, which is paid by the buyer as part of the purchase price. The prices noted here after the auction are considered unofficial and do not become official until after the 46th day.

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