*1950’s, Military Issue, Elwell 5122 Naval Boarding or Firemans Axe, with Leather Carrier and Belt*
This is a very nice British “Tomahawk” style Naval Boarding Axe. This design first emerged in the early part of the 19th century, and was still in use well into the 20th century. It was originally designed as an improved Naval boarding axe, but it also proved just as useful with Fire brigades, and was used with both.
The Axe head is marked Elwell 5122 and on the reverse H98 but the date is obscured. The wooden handle is also marked. E. Elwell. In the opposite direction on the same part of the handle the number 279 and a faint War Arrow. These were made in the 1950’s.
Edward Elwell has an interesting history that dates back in the early 19th century. Edward trained as a surgeon and served with the Royal Artillery from 1807 to 1811. In 1817 he leased Wednesbury Forge, to create edge tools. He bought the business in 1831. By 1851 management of the business had passed into the hands of Edward’s son, Edward junior but he died in a train accident and so his father, resumed control of the business until his death in 1869. The business was flourishing until 1902 when it became a private Ltd Co. Around 1930 Edward Elwell Limited and the Chillington Tool Company of Wolverhampton combined and formed a holding company; Edge Tool Industries Limited.
“From History, Gazetteer and Directory of Staffordshire, William White, Sheffield, 1851 it says: Mr Elwell, of Wednesbury Forge Works, employs about 300 hands, and machinery, propelled by water and steam power, in the manufacture of spades, shovels, hoes, axes, and other edge tools, for the home and foreign markets”.
The axe measures 39cm long, the axe head is approx 25cm wide, the leather belt 122cm long x 5.5 wide and the buckle 6.5×8.2cm.
*Condition*
The axe shows signs of wear and tear, with rusting on the axe head and signs of historic wood worm on the handle. The leather protective pouch and belt are intact with signs of wear and tear. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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