Axes for infantry ?

[pacofeanor]

Hello!

My question is concerning axes for union infantry. Did they wear one, iff yes, what size and what shape ?
Was it a military shape or civilians models (or both) ?

I mean axes for cutting wood for camp fire , not the pionnier 's axes !

Was it a "regimental tool" brought on men ; or on a company wagon ?

Thank you
Regards
François Mazen
french volunteers

[PetePaolillo]

Re: Axes for infantry ?

My Good friend Andrew Grim posted this OR account on another forum refrencing a similiar question. This is only one example and it is all dependent on what regiment and time frame being portrayed.

http://digital.library.cornell.edu/cgi/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=moawar;cc=moawar;rgn=full%20text;idno=waro0105;didno=waro0105;view=image;seq=00878;node=waro0105%3A1

Hdqrs. Dist of Southwestern California
Los Angeles, Cal., February 11, 1862.

General Orders No. 3

I.Each soldier will carry one greatcoat, one blanket, one forage cap, one woolen shirt, on pair of drawers, one pair stockings, one towel, two handkerchiefs, one fine and one course comb, one sewing kit, one piece of soap, one toothbrush.


II.Each soldier will wear his uniform hat without trimmings, one blouse, one pair trousers, one pair stockings, one woolen shirt, one pair drawers, and may wear a cravat in lieu of the leather stock.


III.Each soldier, whether of cavalry or infantry, will have one canteen, one haversack, one tin cup. In his haversack he will carry one fork, spoon, and plate. He will wear a good sheath knife.


IV.Each company, whether of cavalry or infantry, will have only enough mess pans and camp kettles (in nests) for absolute requirements; also a few short-handled frying pans, some large tin pans in which to mix bread, one or two strong coffee-mills, a 6-gallon keg of vinegar, a few pounds of black-grained pepper, four axes, four camp hatchets, six spades, six shovels.

V.Officers will not take mess-chests, or trunks, or mattresses on the march. It is suggested that each mess of officers of not less than three be provided with to champagne baskets covered with painted canvas for their mess furniture. These can be packed on a mule. Their necessary clothing can be carried in a small hand-valise, or pair of saddlebags.


VI.The Companies of the First California Volunteer Infantry will drill with knapsacks on and with personal effects packed agreeably to the above orders, from the date of receipt thereof.


VII.The Colonel commanding has observed that there has grown up a habit of writing for the press about military matters and movements of persons in the volunteer service of this district. This is not only unprofessional, but strictly prohibited. There must neither be discussion among military men nor any but official letters written for publication, which have for their object the purpose of giving either censure or praise to any person belonging to the profession.
By order of Colonel Carleton:

Ben. C. Cutler,
First Lieut., First California Vol. Infty., Actg. Asst. Adj. Gen.

[Pvt Schnapps]

Re: Axes for infantry ?

On page 169 of the Revised Regulations of 1863 you'll find the allowance of camp and garrison equipage. According to this table, every 15 infantry could receive two axes and two hatchets, among other items. Confederate army regulations contained the same authorization, though supplies might prove less certain. Lord's Civil War Collector's Encyclopedia shows various examples from the period. You can find both regulations on Google Books if you'd like to look further. For photographs of the tools in actual use, you might want to look through the pictures on the Library of Congress site; in the Prints and Photographs section they have about 7,000 photos.

Google Books for Regulations: http://books.google.com/books?id=Xe4...page&q&f=false

Confederate Regulations: http://books.google.com/books?id=cXo...page&q&f=false

Library of Congress photos: http://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/cwp/

[PetePaolillo]

Re: Axes for infantry ?

Hello!

My question is concerning axes for union infantry. Did they wear one, iff yes, what size and what shape ?
Was it a military shape or civilians models (or both) ?

I mean axes for cutting wood for camp fire , not the pionnier 's axes !

I also forgot to add, The Liberty Rifles have done some nice work with photos of period tools etc. Check it out Here

[pacofeanor]

Re: Axes for infantry ?

Just a last thing !

Were they forge or cast ?



Thank you very much, i have got all materials i need !

best regards
paco

[fahnenschmied]

Re: Axes for infantry ?

Paco,

These axes were forged. Let me know if you need help finding one.

[pacofeanor]

Re: Axes for infantry ?

After a good sight on the files given here, and on the suttler's websites, i didn't find any hatchets ? only "tomawaks" !!
Fahnenschmied, i accept some help to find one!

regards
paco

[Prodical Reb]

Re: Axes for infantry ?

here's a pic from White Oak Museum of the axes & hatchets that Mr Newton has found at various camps in and around Stafford and Falmouth from the ACW.

[pacofeanor]

Re: Axes for infantry ?

Thank you!
Those types of hatchets and axes are typicals, and i hadn't found a suttler to sell it!
White oaks museum, seems to be the place to visit for a customer like me ?

regards
paco

[fahnenschmied]

Re: Axes for infantry ?

Are you looking for a hatchet or an axe? You may send me a private message here....

After a good sight on the files given here, and on the suttler's websites, i didn't find any hatchets ? only "tomawaks" !!
Fahnenschmied, i accept some help to find one!

regards
paco

[ScottCross]

Re: Axes for infantry ?

Your best bet to find hatchets and axes like those found at the White Oak Museum is antique stores and flea markets. Sutlers rarely carry them.

[J.H.Berger]

Re: Axes for infantry ?

Paco, you can find suitable hatchets of the english pattern on ebay.com. You can also modify german firmeman's hatchets. They are verysimilar you just have to cut off the claw for pulling nails.
If you want one forged let me know. I know a good blacksmith who can do it .

[pacofeanor]

Re: Axes for infantry ?

Thank you all for your answers !
i will see what to do !

regards
paco

[Charles Kaiser]

Re: Axes for infantry ?

Look here, axes from Steamboat arabia, on Picture 5 You see, that axes still haw clwas for nail pulling. I would choose a "Bundeswehr Axt", and reshape it to an Authentic form.

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?17583-Steamboat-Arabia-Everything-you-want-to-know!/page6&highlight=steamboat+arabia