Any idea on this head?

[Ratboy42]

Hi All, Just about to start on my next axe and I picked up this head and not sure what it is but it does have a marking but it's hard to make out. Anyone have some insight to what it might be? I think it may be a Collins and under the distinct S has US that I can make out but may not show well on the picture. Thanks in advance for all the help!

 

[Hickory n steel]

It definitely doesn't say Collins on it.
There's a chance of it saying homestead which was a Collins line, but I don't know of this fitting any homestead stamp.
I thinking this probably isn't a Collins.

Edit : Steve Tall may be right, I spaced it on the legitimus stamp he has pictured.

 

[Steve Tall]

I think it says Collins Legitimus, like the stamp below:

 

[Hickory n steel]

I think it says Collins Legitimus, like the stamp below:

As a legitimus that would definitely fit and I had a complete brain fart forgetting about this particular stamp.
I was thinking the common Collins stamp.
I don't really see any evidence of the crown ,arm, and hammer everything else does match up.

 

[Ratboy42]

Thanks guys, it's pretty hard to make out and I appreciate it. I'll soak it again see if any more become legible but I think it's a long shot.

 

[Miller '72]

You have a Collins Legitimus. I am near confident on that

 

[Steve Tall]

Thanks guys, it's pretty hard to make out and I appreciate it. I'll soak it again see if any more become legible but I think it's a long shot.

More soaking in vinegar may clean out the pits somewhat but the already-exposed bare metal will tend to get eroded some more, which can make the stamp less legible.

Close examination as-is (in comparison with the photo of the complete stamp) may show other details that match, like you already mentioned "under the distinct S has US that I can make out". Just looking at the photo I think I can see parts of the arm and hand.

 

[Miller '72]

More soaking in vinegar may clean out the pits somewhat but the already-exposed bare metal will tend to get eroded some more, which can make the stamp less legible.

Close examination as-is (in comparison with the photo of the complete stamp) may show other details that match, like you already mentioned "under the distinct S has US that I can make out". Just looking at the photo I think I can see parts of the arm and hand.

I agree with Steve and have personal and sad proof in pictures of my first axe find, the catalyst for my passion of tools to now include axes and crosscuts and near every other logging or saw mill tool I can find or rescue

The vinegar soak without question does its job but in doing so, will make the stamp less legible

This was my grandfathers Legitimus that my son unearthed in the backyard last summer...

After the vinegar

Please know, this is just information offered for you to make your own decision.

 

[Ratboy42]

I'll keep it the way it is. I can make out the ring at the bottom of the hat so I think you guys are right. Thanks for the info I'll let you guys know how it swings after I hang it!