¿Plumb pulaski? and Log Stamp ID/input

Agent_H · Nov 15, 2014

Came across a Pulaski that wanted to come home with me today. That and a timber/log stamp hammer.

The Pulaski is painted black. I am unsure if it is factory done or a well-done user job. Regardless, it is high gloss black that doesn't have "idiot marks" in it (like if I had tried it for example). The paint is filling the indentation of what looks like to say PLUMB. I don't see any other markings on it but given how much the paint obscures the mark, it could have other identifiers like FSS or its weight. It is also pinned through both sides- they line up like they're supposed to be there.

The geometry is a little different slight curve from poll to bit heel and it looks to be slightly beveled on the upper and lower portion such as a Stiletto axe head (it that makes sense).

I've not happened across a Plumb Pulaski before. Maybe I'm wrong. Should I leave as is? The handle is a keeper - had a LINK sticker on it so can I assume that it is not original to the head? It does need a bit of seating to make it solid.

If the paint is not original then off it can go for sure. Any recommendations on removal of such paint?

The second find is a timber/log stamp hammer. 21" overall. 4lbs 14oz. Anyone have any input on the style of hammer, good stories, recognize the stamp, tell if it has a tempered poll, or date it in general? Northwest Oregon find but doesn't guarantee it was made/used here. Marked USA WSP ~ HOSKING. I dont see any real signs of use so it could be something new as well. I grew up in a mill town but dont remember this stamp I dont really remember many to be honest. I've searched the interweb for stamp markings and found a few resources but most are from other states and none of them I perused looked like this one.

I would have put this in the "It followed me home" thread but I had too many questions to junk that one up.

triggahappy · Nov 15, 2014

I don't know too much about the pulaski, although I haven't seen many made by plumb. However, I have a tiny bit of experience with log branding tools. I have one mounted to the back of an axe that was from Oregon. From what I under stand these were used by specific logging companies to mark logs that were their property and well as where they came from. I know they were well used in the northwest and I would be surprised if yours wasn't if thats where you found it. These are pretty rare and cool pieces of history. Your's appears very well done, some appear to be done by a poor welder on a friday afternoon.

garry3 · Nov 15, 2014

Nothing factory there.
Wire cup brush on a angle grinder or a drill if you don't have a grinder. I am the last person on earth that would be OSHA approved but I don't use a wire brush with out eye protection.
I don't think I have come across a Plumb pulaski now that you mention it. It seems most I see are marked FS, FSS or BLM. I wonder whats under that paint.

Agent_H · Nov 15, 2014

Wire cup brush. I am curious as well. I'm inclined to remove the head to work on it but since it's pinned I wasn't sure. Any recommendations on how how to remove the pins? The haft-job is a touch loose but looks good other-wise. BLO soak? I don't see much about a Plumb Pulaski - it might be the word "China" just heavily painted over...

The Stamp hammer:
I know there were many small to mid-sized logging firms that came and went all over the PNW. Any ideas on the WSP? I recently found a WPA-marked sledge hammer with a tree shape mark impress. Is WSP a similar public work program maybe?

Square_peg · Nov 15, 2014

Definitely not a factory paint job on the Plumb. Looks like a nice pulaksi, though. Rehandle if necessary or leave it alone.

I like the stamp hammer. It might have started it's life as a blacksmith's flatter.

Tymowens · Nov 15, 2014

Roll pin punch should knock that pin out.

Agent_H · Nov 20, 2014

I wanted to see what the story is with this one and make sure of the markings- part of the fun for sure. After the wire wheel this is what it looks like:

Looks like it was used but not much. The amount still sharpenable looks good. I do say that not having seen a Plumb Pulaski before. There aren't any large dings or dents but it does look like someone viced it at some point.

The kerf cut is high on one side at about an inch and is closer to 1.5" on the other side. Im thinking the previous owner. The wedges I pulled out were very short. I assume someone couldn't get it to stay put being so shallow of a wedge and pinned it? The pinning holes line up like they're supposed to be there. If they aren't factory then it seems like a person able enough to drill those so cleanly would also understand the idea of a solid wedge...

I like it. It will clean up nice. I think Square_Peg mentioned he kept one of his sharper than the others. This might be mine when I'm done.

chuxwan · Nov 21, 2014

That's a nice shape for a Pulaski, I'm usually not too fond of them but I like that one, nice find.

Agent_H · Feb 22, 2015

Took a break today and finally reseated the Pulaski.

Wedge

Green

Shade

Premium? I didn't notice this embossing until after applying BLO. Not sure if it is the original handle but glad I didn't inadvertently sand it off.

The swell has some interesting wear lines. My guess is a previous owner lashed something around it for hanging it up or...? Not thinking worms as it is around the outside.

Got it a little dirty but it needs a good workout. It is lighter than the other Pulaski I have. The edge is sharp enough to do the job but certainly won't take the hair off an arm... Unless you swing it, I guess.

Harv Hennington · May 22, 2021

Agent_H said:
Came across a Pulaski that wanted to come home with me today. That and a timber/log stamp hammer.

The Pulaski is painted black. I am unsure if it is factory done or a well-done user job. Regardless, it is high gloss black that doesn't have "idiot marks" in it (like if I had tried it for example). The paint is filling the indentation of what looks like to say PLUMB. I don't see any other markings on it but given how much the paint obscures the mark, it could have other identifiers like FSS or its weight. It is also pinned through both sides- they line up like they're supposed to be there.

The geometry is a little different slight curve from poll to bit heel and it looks to be slightly beveled on the upper and lower portion such as a Stiletto axe head (it that makes sense).

I've not happened across a Plumb Pulaski before. Maybe I'm wrong. Should I leave as is? The handle is a keeper - had a LINK sticker on it so can I assume that it is not original to the head? It does need a bit of seating to make it solid.

If the paint is not original then off it can go for sure. Any recommendations on removal of such paint?

The second find is a timber/log stamp hammer. 21" overall. 4lbs 14oz. Anyone have any input on the style of hammer, good stories, recognize the stamp, tell if it has a tempered poll, or date it in general? Northwest Oregon find but doesn't guarantee it was made/used here. Marked USA WSP ~ HOSKING. I dont see any real signs of use so it could be something new as well. I grew up in a mill town but dont remember this stamp I dont really remember many to be honest. I've searched the interweb for stamp markings and found a few resources but most are from other states and none of them I perused looked like this one.

I would have put this in the "It followed me home" thread but I had too many questions to junk that one up.