Axe Head patterns for chopping

Do you know roughly how old it is? The wood is very hard. I think the previous owners had the same idea about boiled linseed oil that you do. I had to scrape extensively just to get the dirt off the handle. As I scraped and sanded it appeared to me that the handle had been made from fatwood. Then it dawned on me that 100 years of accumulated linseed oil probably imparts a color and hardness similar to fat wood.
There was a crack on the pommel that I filled with epoxy and clamped with a vise. It is extremely head-heavy, and I’m deciding if I like that or not. If not, I’ll replace it with a handle of original length if I can find out what that is. I really like the old handle so I might repurpose it to a lighter head.
 
21/4# head on 19" handle -- isn't that the definition of a house axe? If so, maybe the seller didn't recognize the configuration and assumed handle replacement?
 
I don't know, but you have to consider that I know less about axes than he does. I don't know what the definition of a "house ax" is. I have read that there is also a "camp ax" and thought it might be that. If it's an original handle I'll leave it right where it is.
 
Thanks, good threads. BG_Farmer might be right, the handle on the Rixford has a similar swell at the butt as some house axes. I emailed the seller to ask how he determined that the handle wasn't original. It could use a shorter handle for more control, or a longer on for more power. However, if it's original I'll leave it alone.

 
The handle stays on. This is the reply from the seller:

"Hi, I am not 100% sure that the handle is not original. The axe was found at the estate sale, there was no indications whether it was original or not. It was just my assumptions."
 
vcbvcbvcb said:
This is a Rixford I bought about a month age, with a 19" handle, it was described as a "hatchet". I can't get rid of the stain on the wood at the head.
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Looking at the picture you provided I strongly suspect the staining is due to prolonged vinegar (or other rust removal agent) soaking of the head with the handle on. I don't know what acetic acid does to wood over the long run either.
 
300Six said:
Looking at the picture you provided I strongly suspect the staining is due to prolonged vinegar (or other rust removal agent) soaking of the head with the handle on. I don't know what acetic acid does to wood over the long run either.
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It does look like 'pickling'. But pickling can result from a long soak in fresh water, too. A buddy has made good money milling pickled wood from old log booms that sat in fresh water for 100 years.
 
vcbvcbvcb said:
any guesses at the age of the Rixford?
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Pre 1956. Many Rixfords had a stamp on them, say R40, R39, R44, etc. Discussion over whether this was meant for the year, model number(as I was told), forger, etc. I am leaning towards year but at this time do not have any proof. Where is Steve?? :)
 
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