Anyone have any info on this hatchet? PICS added

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keyser223

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Apr 1, 2011
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I was on my lunch break killing time at a local antique shop and came across a hatchet. I'd been wanting to get one anyway and while it may or may not be an antique, the price was ok at $12. I will try to post up pictures later this evening, but it is marked ECLIPSE which is in line vertically with the shaft and appears to have faint raised XX's on each side of the head, on the same side as "eclipse" it is marked drop forged. It has an octagonal hammer head on the end. I've googled it and can't seem to find any information on it. Anyone know anything about these?

Pics:









 
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Here's a photo of a hatchet that might be similar, showing "Wards Eclipse Quality" on the handle.

axe8885.jpg

Source: ToolExchange (in Australia)

An old auction listing showed another type of Wards hatchet, and was listed as "Wards Master Quality", which would make it a product from Montgomery Wards. Who made their hatchets for them is a big question mark. Probably made by one of the major domestic axe producers at the time. I have an old crosscut saw with the Wards brand, and it was evidently made by Disston.
 
Thanks for the info, I have now posted pics. That definitely appears to be the head, however there was nothing written on the shaft, it looks like it has likely been replaced. The head is a little loose.
 
Commonly called a roofing hatchet or shingle hatchet. probably hardened so quite usable, but would need some work on the edge to give it the shape of a good woods hatchet. Handle is shorter then what I would prefer. you might consider a new one. A correct handle for this is a straight handle, but if you don't care to use the hammer end much, then a regular hatchet handle is fine too.
 
"Plumb" manufactured many of these old hatchets for various companies. They called them "construction hatchets" with the hammer head, nail puller notch, and the wider, wedged head. The ones with a thinner smaller blade and a hook under the beard were used for shingling and general roofing. I have modified several of them for customers with longer handles for carry in the woods. Great find!
 
Thanks for the info! I've sharpened it up and need to get a new handle as it has some pretty good movement in it.
 
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