WWII USAAF 56D6221 Serrated Aircraft Crash Axe Hatchet – Bomber Aircrew Tool USA

This listing is for an authentic U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) aircraft crash axe, Model 56D6221, used by bomber and aircrew personnel during and after World War II.

The 56D6221 reference number designates this as a standard-issue survival and rescue tool carried aboard U.S. military aircraft. These axes were essential for airmen to cut through fuselage metal, break glass, or pry open panels in emergency situations after crashes or forced landings.

This particular example features the rare serrated cutting edge, designed for added grip and cutting power on aluminum and sheet metal surfaces. The opposite end has a solid spike for prying or puncturing.

Features:

• Model No: 56D6221 (military designation)

• Blade: Curved, serrated edge with pointed spike

• Handle: Textured black insulated rubber grip over steel core

• Approx. Length: 15 inches

• Condition: Used – solid structure with visible wear, oxidation, and paint loss consistent with age; handle is intact and sturdy.

Historical Background:

Crash axes like this were issued aboard USAAF bombers such as B-17s and B-24s, and continued in service use into the early postwar era. They remain a sought-after collectible among military historians, aviation enthusiasts, and WWII memorabilia collectors.