USAAF crash axes..WW2

A

Andrew S Gordon

Joined
Jul 21, 2006
Messages
90
I believe these are WW2 made.
Anyone know who the makers were?
Thankyou, Andy
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I have a similar curved-blade axe; mine marked as model number 42D8331, made by D.L. Auld Company (Columbus, Ohio). It's my understanding that they mfd./used these same style axes up to recent years, so ones you run across may not necessarily be WW II era axes.
 
My old curved-blade axe is @15 1/8" long, @ 2.25 lb., steel head 5" x 8" x 5/16" thick. Heavy and sturdy. Design is OK for bashing, mangling, prying things but I don't think it would make a very handy wood chopping axe. They still make/sell this type in the U.S. I think I've seen this same style for sale by either Camillus or Ontario Knives.
 
They were used to escape crashed large heavy bomber/transport aircraft.
The 42 in the number, same as mine, is a WW2 era number.
Andy
 
I have one like the top one in the first pic, and shown in the second pic. I acquired rather cheaply from a military surplus dealer last year. I was told it's origins are in Europe. It is SOLID and heavy. I really haven't used it, let alone touched it, since I bought it. The design and weight leaves it out of my rotation for camping.
 
The RAF used similar axes for rescueing crews from crashed aircraft. At one time they were sold here as "commando" axes !!
 
I believe the Sportsmans Guide mail order company has some similar to the hawk like one for sale now. I think they call it a belgium fire brigade axe or something like that. They were around $30 but could not ship to Calif.
 
wow, that's cheap!

but why won't they ship to all those states?



when I first saw the thread starter, I was thinking about the WoodsMan Pal surival machettes.
 
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