Vintage English Fireman’s Axe marked - ELWELL 5122 - c1950

Here on offer is a fine example of a vintage ELWELL fireman’s axe, circa 1950.

One side of the blade on this example has been stamped with the maker’s marks 'ELWELL 5122’. There are no other markings that I can see, so I don’t believe this was a military issued piece and was probably used by the regular civil Fire Service.

The axe has an ash handle that is in excellent condition, with a polished steel axe head, that is fitted to it in the strap form; two straps of metal running from the head down either side of the handle.

The steel now does show some light age staining and the cutting edge has been sharped over the years.
This example is in excellent condition, with the axe head still held securely in place. Most of the other examples of this type I have seen have been covered in rust!

Some history of the English maker ELWELL

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.

The handle measures 15.25” (38.8cm) long and the axe head is 8.25” (21cm) wide with a 3” (7.6cm) curved cutting edge.

It weighs a heavy 995g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Thank you for taking the time to look.

Code: 51688