And it may be less likely to have been made during the WWII years, since the "Victory" markings and finish were used then, so this might futher narrow down the likely range of years.Have a peek at the Plumb manufacturing entries via yesteryearstools.com. The Dreadnought model you've got is in very nice shape. The fact that the handle is original and doesn't have a 'take up screw wedge' (1920-43) nor is set in Permabond (1955 and up) would indicate manufacture somewhere between 1943 and 1955. The 'Axe of Champions' logo is a 1930s to about 1960 phenomenon which serves to bolster the other identifiers. Were you to say 1950+/- you'd pretty much be 'bang on'.
If you soak the eye in oil (many folks prefer boiled linseed oil (referred to as BLO)) that'll likely swell the wood to tighten up the head. It's pretty dry this time of year (late winter in the northern hemisphere) which dries out wood. Failing that if it's loose enough to withdraw the handle you can always smack in a new wood wedge. Stay clear of using metal wedges until you're desperate.Thank you guys for the wealth of info. This thing is solid for its age. Truly don't even think it was used. Only thing I've noticed is some very slight wiggle with the head.
From that post:
Good spotting Steve! There is lots of good information out there and sorting it all out requires better men than myself. I happen to have an OEM Plumb National axe with a wood wedge (ie 1948 to 1955) and the handle marking (HANDLE OF TOUGH, SPRINGY HICKORY - tested, fitted and driven by - PLUMB) was a paper decal. Perhaps gold paint embosses were discontinued altogether in favour of lesser-expense labels beginning in the early 1950s?From that post:
On page 25 of the document "Plumb BSA Scout Axe -- History and Timeline of the Plumb Boy Scout Axes", by Ryan Landin (posted to this forum and elsewhere), a similar gold stamping on the handle (TESTED PLUMB HICKORY, U.S.A.) was said to be used with some scout hatchets in 1948. (Some earlier hatchet handles said "SELECTED" instead of "TESTED".)