Axe head ID and age?

T

testdepth

Joined
Dec 9, 2012
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37
Anyone know what type of axe this is and how old it is?

I soaked it in straight vinegar for 2 days and then knocked the rust off with a wire wheel. I intend to put a handle back on it and put it back in use or hang it on the wall.

Anyone know what type of axe and or time frame this is from? I soaked it in straight vinegar for two days and then wire wheeled all of the rust off except in the handle hole where I can't get to. Weighs about 3 to 5lbs.
Blade edge to back of axe edge = 11.5 inches
Blade width is 6.5 inches
Back is 2.5 inches long and 1 1/8 inches wide
Two points where axe handle goes are 3.5 inches point to point

http://s251.photobucket.com/user/testdepth/library/Antique axe?sort=3&page=1
 
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Testdepth, can you get a picture of your axe - maybe even a couple?

Sounds big though?
 
Would you happen to have any photographs available or noticed a stamping of some sort on the axe?
 
testdepth said:
I have pictures but don't know how to post them on this site. There are no markings anywhere on it.

http://s251.photobucket.com/user/testdepth/library/Antique axe?sort=3&page=1
Click to expand...

I right-clicked on one of the individual photos any copied the image address, which I inserted here (using the "Insert Image" icon):

Axe%20head%20clean%20lt_zpsoy1rei46.jpg
 
Looks a bit like a masting axe or related deal. A little edge work and a handle and that would probably be a good tool.

I like stuff that needs a little help to be good so others might see something different.
 
It's a masting axe. Likely 100 years old. It's badly pitted but not badly worn - most of the steel is still there. This is a hewing axe that could also be used for felling. One tool to make a new mast for a ship in a pinch. They found a lot of use outside of mast making. It would typically have a 20" -28" up-turned haft (opening the hang for hewing).

1.JPG
 
Thanks to all! Masting/Hewing axe it is. Any opinions as to what finish to put on it to keep it from further rusting. I will put a handle on it and place it back in service.
 
Many folks are happy just with WD-40 as a rust preventative. Others use linseed oil. I use a blend of beeswax, BLO and turps. A similar product can be purchased off the shelf - Renaiassance Wax. For long term storage look to Boeshield.
 
Square_peg said:
Many folks are happy just with WD-40 as a rust preventative. Others use linseed oil. I use a blend of beeswax, BLO and turps. A similar product can be purchased off the shelf - Renaiassance Wax. For long term storage look to Boeshield.
Click to expand...

BLO = boiled linseed oil
Turps = ?

What is turps? turpentine

Whats amounts do you mix?
 
Yes, turpentine. Equal parts. Combine in sauce pan under low heat and transfer it to a microwavable container. Warm it and the tool before application. Good on hafts, too. I used it to seal any openings at the top or bottom of the eye.
 
Square_peg said:
Yes, turpentine. Equal parts. Combine in sauce pan under low heat and transfer it to a microwavable container. Warm it and the tool before application. Good on hafts, too. I used it to seal any openings at the top or bottom of the eye.
Click to expand...

Would you recommend taking anymore of the metal down to get the pits out?
 
It depends what you want to do. As far as function, if the front 3/4" is polished the axe will perfom fine. This is a double beveled axe so you don't have a flat on the back that needs lapping.

You could give it a full polish if you wanted it for a wall hanger. A lot of work but some people like that.
 
After more wire wheeling and sanding some letters came through on the poll end of the axe head. On one side are capital letters D M. On the opposite side all I can make out are letters of a name stamped in to the steel ( SMUGER ) or (SHUGER). I have finished getting the rust off and now installing the handle.
 
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