This attractive axe is designed along the lines of a Scandinavian entrebil. Under the broad arrow on the shaft is the number 30. On the blade is stamped Bedford over Sheffield on one side, and I cannot make out the other. The bladeand Spike are clearly forged.

What mitigates against this being a boarding axe isthat there are no cheek piecesand the handle seems somewhat fragile ..

The handle is 20 3/4 inches long. and the blade and shaft are 11 1/2 inches long. .

A comprehensive book on naval boarding axes is sorely needed.