Can anyone identify this odd axe?

[catpal]

I was given this as a gift from a friend who found it at a garage sale. The cutting edge is about 6 inches across. There is some sort of marking,but I cant figure it out. Grateful for any help!

 

[300Six]

No picture that I can see.

 

[SC T100]

copy the IMG code from photobucket and paste it into your post...that should make it show up.

 

[catpal]

THANKS , I put in the wrong URL the first time,the shorter one worked!

 

[flexo]

german or austrian to me....

 

[John A. Larsen]

Looks like the Russian hatchets/axes I have seen. John

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I'd agree it looks possibly Russian.

 

[catpal]

Thank you for your reply, what age would you say it is? kind regards.

 

[catpal]

Thank you for your reply. What age would you say it is? kind regards.

 

[Steve Tall]

Thank you for your reply, what age would you say it is? kind regards.

Made in 1977, maybe?

 

[catpal]

I was wondering if that could be a date, but the style looks much older, at least to my eyes. thanks

 

[Lieblad]

Classic Russian "Tonop".
Its haft appears birch with a good patina.

 

[catpal]

Thank you. Is Tonop a brand name? Would 1977 be the date it was made? kind regards

 

[Hacked]

Thank you. Is Tonop a brand name? Would 1977 be the date it was made? kind regards

Apparently Tonop means axe.

 

[300Six]

Thank you. Is Tonop a brand name? Would 1977 be the date it was made? kind regards

The first 7 in the stamp looks more like a 2 than the other numeral 7. So perhaps this indicates 1927?

 

[catpal]

Yes, I see what you mean. Thank all of you for your messages about this axe. kind regards

 

[kvaughn]

Is it mounted upside down or am I looking at it wrong?--KV

 

[300Six]

Is it mounted upside down or am I looking at it wrong?--KV

I think what you were trying to say is 'back to front' is reversed. That was my first impression too (I don't like 'pointy' toes) but if you look at the poll front and back are quite different, unless someone 'went to town' with a grinder or hacksaw after. Regional trends (ie Russia VS USA) don't necessarily conform. Just take a look at traditional Finnish, Germanic and Swedish stuff.

 

[Lieblad]

Apparently Tonop means axe.[/URL]

Thats more or less correct at least in my limited command of Russian.
"Топор" is actually correct spelling as my prior message could only approximate the proper cryllic alphabet letter.

As I understand there are many axe makers in Russia. Also Chinese makers massively replicate this design as well.

Here is another Russian example with a different makers mark
I dont think its the Putin Axe Factory... But somebodys political message. :stupid:

 

[catpal]

I am not sure, but I think it is mounted correctly. The eye is larger on the part of the head that is on top.