Hi guys,

My first figurines lots came in, and I'm trying to check the authenticity of this Gam guard axe. It's my first time at this and I can't make anything out of it : to me it does not look like any original model, but it's nothing like the repro either.

It does not float and it's not metallic either.

Here are the pictures. What do you think ?

Thanks for your help !

I'll compare it to mine, but it looks genuine.

If I remember correctly, the Gam axe is one of the few original items that sink as well.

As you say, it's not exactly the same as the 'known' variants shown on the site. It most closely resembles the V3 'family' shown with yours below. Looking at the middle section of the handle: all three have a smoother wood texture on one side (top photo's) and a rougher, more nobly texture on the other (bottom photo's).




Has anyone else got one identical to this this?

I can confirm that I have one exactly like this, although it came with a loose figure so I can't 100% guarantee it is vintage. It was part of a lot that every other weapon has checked out as vintage though, which leads me to lean towards a legit variant.

Any chance that you can post some pictures Jeff?

Sorry for the abysmal lighting, I don't have my full photo setup set up right now, but wanted to get a quick comparison pic posted here.

The main points of comparison I used are the particulars of the grain of the wood handle within the axe blade, most specifically on the top pic, as well as the tiny bit of 'overlap' at the bottom of the blade along the plane of mold separation (seen on bottom pic), these aspects seem distinct from 3(a) and 3(b) if you ask me.  

I hate to confound the issue further...but in digging through the Gam Guard axes I do own, I seem to have found another that does not match and cataloged original or repro, and while I have similar certainty that it is also original, if someone else could help confirm/refute...





Again, looking at the details of the grain in the wood handle between the blade is the best way to go I think to notice the difference.

...and Hells Bells, when I checked the figures I display, found another one (pic tomorrow...), grain is identical to V1, but the two EPM's are on the other side of the blade (and I have a matching V1 to compare both in hand)!  Could this just have been from the other half of the mold or something?  Looking closely, the sculpt on the "off side EPM" V1 I have, the wood grain seems to have a bit more detail than the V1.  

I'll try to take some higher quality pics of all tomorrow and post them for better comparison and to see what others think!

Thank you for your input Jeff. I'm pleased that you agree the middle section of the handle (within the blade) is the best point of reference. There is every chance that these are new variants. Yesterday I found a 'new' black pilot blaster which has been added to the guide. I have also previously found an Endor Rebel Soldier rifle & Ree-Yees rifle not previously documented.

I take it that your second axe shown above is moulded in brown plastic with a painted blade?  

With regards to your V1 with epms on the opposite side, that makes sense. It is known that a single mould was used to produce two or more weapons on a sprue, and the orientation of these weapons varies. Hence epms can be found on the left or right side of otherwise identical looking weapons.

cantina_patron wrote:

I take it that your second axe shown above is moulded in brown plastic with a painted blade?  

That is correct, brown molded handle with painted silver blade like the other V3 family.

cantina_patron wrote:

With regards to your V1 with epms on the opposite side, that makes sense. It is known that a single mould was used to produce two or more weapons on a sprue, and the orientation of these weapons varies. Hence epms can be found on the left or right side of otherwise identical looking weapons.

Would this be considered a V1(a) and V1(b), or just a note regarding EPM's being possible on both sides?  I would personally think more (a) and (b), because as I said the level of detail in the "wood" grain is slightly sharper one vs the other.

CorporateSlave wrote:

cantina_patron wrote:

I take it that your second axe shown above is moulded in brown plastic with a painted blade?  

That is correct, brown molded handle with painted silver blade like the other V3 family.

cantina_patron wrote:

With regards to your V1 with epms on the opposite side, that makes sense. It is known that a single mould was used to produce two or more weapons on a sprue, and the orientation of these weapons varies. Hence epms can be found on the left or right side of otherwise identical looking weapons.

Would this be considered a V1(a) and V1(b), or just a note regarding EPM's being possible on both sides?  I would personally think more (a) and (b), because as I said the level of detail in the "wood" grain is slightly sharper one vs the other.

I would also normally go with V1a & V1b. On the current guide we have a painted blade axe designated as V1a. In light of these potential new variants, I think we will have to review the current designations in the Gamorrean axe section.

Jeff & Jerome, would either, or both of you be prepared to take further photo's and allow us to add them to the weapons site? You will of course be acknowledged in the credits.

Of course, I'll be happy to take a full set and donate it to IG