The tool manufacturers Gilpins moved to their Wedges Mills factory in 1868 and remained there until 1946 thus the date stamp of 1867 on the head is the terminus post queue back a year. They advertised both fire and boarding axes in their catalogue well into the 20^th century, the only noticable difference being a curved leading edge for a boarding axe and straight edge for a fire axe. Indispensable aboard any fighting sailing ship, boxes of axes were placed on decks prior to battle so fallen rigging, masts etc. could be removed quickly.