Need help identifying this Swiss axe -- WP stamp?

[Ernest DuBois]

I differ with Keven on the whole premise about the primary stampings, the HB being obviously added by someone on their own prerogative which is their right if they were the owner. Why this manufactured intrigue about it all arose is odd to me. These axes with flared bit and the displacement of the center line as seen in profile are specific to the region, centered in the Alps. Such a form has always puzzled me though certain elements, in particular the bit shape have a self evident function that I can appreciate. Since it is a wooded area and wood is such an important material there the axe has been a prominent tool and in its different forms has reached a high level of technical development suited to the context. All the nicest breitbeilen come from this area though the breitbeil is not exclusive to it. And think of the bandhacke, also typical of this area, (as big an area as it is). In addition to being curious in general about these axes it would be interesting to have more clarity on this particular axe head and since Tim you have the skills to load on photos maybe some showing specific relationships would lead to more pointed & pertinent responses though I guess this axe is more of a general purpose axe. Very good score though coming off the farm in Switzerland.

 

[TimS01]

Thanks! I'll be happy to upload some further photos and lay it beside some of my other axes for comparison sake. I really like the shape of it as well, though I struggle to think what I'll do with it. Its profile is relatively flat, so maybe not the best for splitting, but it's a lot more slender than a modern felling axe.

Assuming this isn't some piece that belongs in a museum and I decide to clean it and hang it, I'm guessing a straight handle would be most appropriate? Any recommendations there would be appreciated

 

[Ernest DuBois]

Get some pictures up. If you're laying it up against conventional N.A. axes for comparison it will still be ball-park stuff for me since I'm none too familiar. Maybe something universal like ruler, beer can or lighter...

 

[Kevin Houtzager]

X

 

[Ernest DuBois]

What I meant though, that there isn't any weight in grams on there. Which is required from 1891 onwards.

Well there is no weight stamped on my axe, made in Germany two weeks ago.

 

[Agent_H]

Well there is no weight stamped on my axe, made in Germany two weeks ago.

I expected more than flagrant disregard for the fabric that holds our society together.

Can we see see it?

 

[Ernest DuBois]

Sounds like something worthy of its own topic in the coming time. It is a most peculiar and rare example, even a bit freakish on first encountering.

 

[Kevin Houtzager]

X

 

[TimS01]

Sorry for the delay, just had a chance to grab more pictures this afternoon. Put down a tape measure and an AA battery for scale. It measures just about 8'' in from poll to the tip of the blade.

Blade itself is right about 3'' tall:

Hope that helps!

 

[Ernest DuBois]

So, not small, not big, probably with no specific function but good for a variety of uses. Some possible examples to include:

Here is one of the similar form but different dimensions I had until the inexperienced smid got his hands on it

 

[Pearl]

Hi there, was recently visiting Switzerland and picked up this axe head a farmer was selling. It has "HB" stamped on one side, which initially made me think Hults Bruk, but the HB looks like it was maybe added later. The proper manufacturer mark isn't anything I've seen before. It looks like maybe WP? Or PW? I'm guessing it's of German manufacture, but that's just a guess.

Here are some image

Here's a close-up of the WP marks on the other side:

Any ideas? I'd love to know a bit more about this.

Thanks in advance!

Ho

 

[TimS01]

So, not small, not big, probably with no specific function but good for a variety of uses. Some possible examples to include:

Here is one of the similar form but different dimensions I had until the inexperienced smid got his hands on it

Thanks for sharing that video! And I apparently need to work on my chopping form as my backswing is far less dramatic than the gentleman in the image there.

 

[Ernest DuBois]

Thanks for sharing that video! And I apparently need to work on my chopping form as my backswing is far less dramatic than the gentleman in the image there.

Felling trees, the Swiss way.

 

[TimS01]

Hey all, circling back on this as I've finally gotten this thing cleaned up and hung. Gave it a night in a warm electrolysis bath, a little polish, cleaned up the mushrooming, and gave it a new edge.

No new markings appeared but that PW is much more clear now. If anyone else has any thoughts on this thing's origin, love to hear 'em.

Couldn't find a perfectly straight handle that'd fit, I thought that'd be most appropriate, but ordered this one with an octoganal cut and I think it pairs up nicely.