6 point start maker mark

BuddyC · Jan 21, 2017

Hello,
I picked up this cutting Mattock last week. After cleaning it off I found part of a maker's mark. It looks to be a 6 point star.
Wondering if anyone recognizes this? Maybe a blacksmith's mark?

Thanks
BuddyC

Lunchbucket · Jan 21, 2017

That is the makers mark for Iron City. Don't know any history of the company but I have 2 picks and a froe with the same mark. Of those three, two have partial marks from poor strikes like this one.

Steve Tall · Jan 21, 2017

Looks like it's from IRON CITY.

The%2BPocket%2BList%2Bof%2BRailroad%2BOfficials%2B1908.jpg

http://trowelcollector.blogspot.com/2015/11/history-of-iron-city-tool-works.html

BuddyC · Jan 21, 2017

Thanks all!

300Six · Jan 21, 2017

As we've grown to expect, Steve Tall is pretty much always on the ball! Good call on the maker. There are a lot of hours and hard-driven miles on that head! For display and conversation purposes it would be neat to have a unused head to go along with it. If tools could talk this one would probably burn your ears.

BuddyC · Jan 22, 2017

300Six said:
As we've grown to expect, Steve Tall is pretty much always on the ball! Good call on the maker. There are a lot of hours and hard-driven miles on that head! For display and conversation purposes it would be neat to have a unused head to go along with it. If tools could talk this one would probably burn your ears.

Ok... to that point,,, sharpen and use or leave as is?

300Six · Jan 22, 2017

BuddyC said:
Ok... to that point,,, sharpen and use or leave as is?

Don't do it! The history and story this one exudes is already in place. Your 'taxicab'-equivalent already has 2-3 million miles on it and trying to pretty it up isn't going to rejuvenate it for use or show. To the contrary. Leave grandpa in his rocking chair!

Square_peg · Jan 22, 2017

There is no value in these old tools. Just use it.

To be more clear, I'm talking about axe mattocks, pick mattocks and grubbing type tools in general. I've picked up a few, Warrens and other quality tool makers but they are just for personal use and volunteer work parties. I don't harbor any hope that they will ever be of value.

BuddyC · Jan 22, 2017

if it's the same model posted in the ad above it's had about 3" of metal ground off over the years. Maybe someone with a restaurant wants it for a decoration ;-) I kind of like the looks of it
For what I paid I got a cheap and useful education

Thanks all!