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PATTERN 1854 US NAVY BOARDING AX – TWICE MARKED
“USN” – EXCELLENT SPECIMEN IN VERY GOOD CONDITION:
The Pattern 1854 Boarding Ax was developed for the
British Navy and was standard issue for Royal Navy Ships
it was supplanted by the Pattern 1859 Boarding Ax. Both
patterns of these axes were manufactured by a number of
civilian contractors, so it was natural that in addition
to those made to meet the obligation to the Royal Navy,
they were available for sale to other nations’ navies
and to privately owned vessels. The Pattern 1854 Axes
were purchased by the US Navy and probably by the
Confederate Navy as well, not surprising in light of the
large numbers of sabres, swords, and other cutlery that
were purchased from the British markets during the same
period. This particular Boarding Ax is a significantly
important specimen as it is period marked with two “U.S.N.”
stamps on the haft.
This Pattern 1854 Boarding Ax has survived the years in
very good condition despite evidence that it was
subjected to use aboard ship. The ax blade and clearing
pike are both full form with no loss due to sharpening.
The edge of the blade has a few nicks, but nothing
substantial and the pike shows no wear at all. The left
flat of the ax blade bears a faint maker’s stamp
beginning with “GI……..”, which is probably the remnants
of “GILPIN”, one of the known contractors who
manufactured these axes. There is also a stamped
cipher, “H/98”. I found this same exact stamp on other
examples of Pattern 1854 Axes made by Gilpin and I
believe it is the manufacturer’s model number. The head
measures 8 1/8” from the blade to the tip of the pike
and the blade measures 2 ¾” along the edge. The iron
head is overall smooth with no significant pitting and
it has a very nice naturally aged color.
Two straps integral to, and descending from, the head
capture the oak wood handle or haft and are secured with
two iron rivets. The haft measures just over 14 ½” and
is full form from the eye of the head to the swell at
the bottom of the grip. The haft is stamped “U.S.N.”
between the iron straps on both the top and bottom of
the shaft – both sets of stampings are identical and
from the apparent wear and aging, were certainly applied
during the period of use. The haft is full form with
the only wear being some old loss of grain along the
front of the haft, between the two iron straps on what
would be the front or bottom of the haft as the ax blade
is presented for use. This loss likely occurred due to
missed or over strokes when the ax was put into action,
with the haft striking the intended surface rather than
the blade. The butt of the haft is full form with no
chips or cracks. The haft retains a nice patinated
finish with a surface smooth from handling and a very
attractive color.
While on occasion these Pattern 1854 Boarding Axes
appear on the market, it is unusual to find one with the
desirable US Navy marks which confirm it was used aboard
one of our ships under sail. This is a very nice
example and one that will be an important addition to
your mid-nineteenth century US Navy display.
SOLD
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