Lot 305: A Trio of Antique Hewing Broadaxes
A trio of antique woodworking tools comprising one large long-handled hewing broadaxe and two medium-sized examples. Each tool is constructed with a heavy hand-forged iron or steel head featuring a wide flared blade and a flat poll. The handles are fashioned from hardwood and are set into sockets that are slightly offset from the plane of the blade to facilitate clearance during timber hewing tasks. The largest axe head features a small circular impressed mark near the centre of the blade, which is not legible. The middle axe head displays a rectangular stamped indentation near the socket, also not legible due to surface condition. Two of the wooden handles bear small white adhesive labels with the handwritten number 12.
Condition report:
The metal heads show significant surface oxidation, rust, and pitting throughout (photo 1). The cutting edges exhibit occasional nicks and signs of wear. The hardwood handles show heavy staining, wear, and minor cracking consistent with age and use. The longest handle has numerous small exit holes indicative of historic woodworm damage (photo 1). The heads appear firmly seated on their respective handles.
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