Historical information

A cooper's broad axe (or Cooper's side axe) is a short one-handed axe that has a long cutting edge intended for initial dressing of staves and heading pieces used in the making of barrels and other associated items made from wood.

Significance

A tool of the cooper and other woodworking tradesmen that has been in use since the making of barrels and wooden buckets for hundreds of years without much change to the design or how the tool is used.

Physical description

Broad head axe with wooden handle with handle on an angle to allow use.

Inscriptions & markings

None