Ax Identification

B

Brian Rust

Joined
Nov 14, 2017
Messages
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I found this head today. It is in great shape after I got all the rust off. It has a diamond with BLUE DIAMOND stamped in it and next to it is a circle with the number 7 in it. It has an X stamp in the middle of the head also. As you can see it is convex with a thin bit. Seems to be very good quality. With my limited knowledge I have no idea who made the ax. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
 
"In addition to its famous Diamond Edge,other recognizable "house" brands marketed by Shapleigh were Mound City, Norleigh Diamond, Diamond Brand, Jersey, Panama, Ice Diamond, Bluebelle, Sageware, Black Jack, Red Raven, King Nitro, Sahara, Black Prince, Blue Diamond, Rugby, Triumph, Defiance, Black Wonder, Double Diamons, Mascot, Bull Dog, Ozark, Columbia, Longwear, Mizzou and Bridges."

from http://www.thckk.org/history/shapleigh-history.pdf
 
Trademark registration for BLUE DIAMOND Axes, Hatchets...
Filed November 14, 1905
Published December 17, 1907
Norvell-Shapleigh Hardware Company
St. Louis, Missouri

content

from Official Gazette of the United States Patent Office, Volume 131, page 1920
 
It is 4.25 pounds. It has what seems like all of its bit left. So would I be right to say this ax was made between 1905 and 1930 probably? Im guessing it was one of their less expensive brands but the craftsmanship and steel is better than my diamond edge axes. The convex shape on the axe is dang near perfect. And the pole had very minor (very very minor) mushrooming. I paid $15 for this ax. I am pretty proud of myself. I have been looking for a good Dayton too so I got lucky today!!
 
Brian Rust said:
So would I be right to say this ax was made between 1905 and 1930 probably?
Click to expand...
"Blue Diamond" axes seem to be so uncommon (with very little mention or examples found online) that I wouldn't be surprised if production was stopped by 1918, when the company name Norvell-Shapleigh was changed to Shapleigh. Just a guess, but perhaps they decided to eliminate any confusion with their "Diamond Edge" trademark around the same time they started promoting their famous slogan "Diamond Edge is a Quality Pledge" in 1909.

reference: http://www.thckk.org/history/shapleigh-history.pdf
 
It looks to have a thinner bit and more poll. Designed for more general work, not so much splitting. The poll had been used. A good find with
good photos. DM
 
Steve Tall said:
"Blue Diamond" axes seem to be so uncommon (with very little mention or examples found online) that I wouldn't be surprised if production was stopped by 1918, when the company name Norvell-Shapleigh was changed to Shapleigh. Just a guess, but perhaps they decided to eliminate any confusion with their "Diamond Edge" trademark around the same time they started promoting their famous slogan "Diamond Edge is a Quality Pledge" in 1909.

reference: http://www.thckk.org/history/shapleigh-history.pdf
Click to expand...

Thank you again sir! Great information!!!
 
At 4. 25 lbs. that would work as a good splitting axe. What is the width at it's widest spot? DM
 
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