Pair of Haches de Pays
Nov 27, 2023 13:57:16 GMT -7
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Keith, brokennock, and 2 more like this
Post by paranger on Nov 27, 2023 13:57:16 GMT -7
A pair of French " haches de pays" or "country made axes." Contrary to popular belief, after 1720 most of the axes in New France were produced by Canadian blacksmiths in the St. Lawrence Valley, rather than imported. These represent small and large versions of the "casse-tete" (literally head-breaker) analogous to the English "tomahawk." (Gladysz and Hamilton, French Axes in North America, parts II and III).
Both are forged from mild steel, with 1084 forge-welded bit inserts. The larger measures 7" long with a 3" bit, hafted in fire-hardened ash, while the smaller measures 5" and 2" respectively, and is hafted in hickory. Both feature a military acceptance mark (Fleur-de-Lys) indicating issue from the King's stores.
Both are forged from mild steel, with 1084 forge-welded bit inserts. The larger measures 7" long with a 3" bit, hafted in fire-hardened ash, while the smaller measures 5" and 2" respectively, and is hafted in hickory. Both feature a military acceptance mark (Fleur-de-Lys) indicating issue from the King's stores.
