Axe ID Help

[John Frankl]

Well, I am happy to report that it is again flea market season

I picked up a couple of axes today. One is a Homestead with a nice clear stamp, but the other I am not so sure about.

It appears to be a wedge pattern (Maine?) and has a couple markings I can read. The blade is stamped "3 1/4" in the middle, and up at the heel is is marked "HANDMADE" and under that "E & S ME....." The mark fades at this point. There are also two numbers stamped underneath. Looks like "56" but I can't be sure.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

It also had a metal wedge/cap on the top.

And I am happy to report the handle looks salvageable.

 

[John Frankl]

Just found this:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/946603-Maine-Axes-post-em-up

And this"

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/924924-Axe-Stamp-Identification-Crack-Question

So I am guessing Emerson & Stevens. The stamp is the beginning of "E & S MFG" and it has that same metal cap.

So, anyone have info on this company? And should I hold off before doing my usual grinding of the poll?

Thanks again.

 

[Square_peg]

Oakland, Maine, 1870-1965

That 'Hand Made' logo at the top of your axe was their claim to fame - right to the end. Axe Makers of North America reports that they are hard to find but our Maine contingent seems to find them.

You might save some of that 'Hand Made' logo by beating that poll back in before you file it. I've done this on a couple axes lately with some success. I heat the poll to a couple hundred degrees with a torch. Remember, it deformed like that while cold. Some of it will go back while warm - maybe enough to preserve the stamp when your grind it.

 

[CB-R]

emerson and stevens. spelling? some really cool info out there on them.

 

[Operator1975]

Supposedly one of the only axe manufacturers to always make their axes by hand thru the entire process right up until closing the doors in 1965. No idea if that is entirely true, but the one I own is of high quality overall.

 

[cooperhill]

Oakland, Maine, 1870-1965

That 'Hand Made' logo at the top of your axe was their claim to fame - right to the end. Axe Makers of North America reports that they are hard to find but our Maine contingent seems to find them.

You might save some of that 'Hand Made' logo by beating that poll back in before you file it. I've done this on a couple axes lately with some success. I heat the poll to a couple hundred degrees with a torch. Remember, it deformed like that while cold. Some of it will go back while warm - maybe enough to preserve the stamp when your grind it.

Seem to be quite common around New England (especially NH). Found this one last week for $10. Looks to be your axe's twin. I'm leaving the poll as such to preserve the "Hand Made" marking.

 

[John Frankl]

Thanks!

Cooperhill, Yours is a lot nicer than mine! Maybe a few more will come up this season