Can anyone identify this "collins" axe?

[vanwag44]

This double bit axe was listed as a collins, anyone know the markings?

 

[Square_peg]

I've heard the 'M' stamp indicates either Mann or Mexico. Who knows, maybe it means both. Maybe neither.

 

[Steve Tall]

Maybe it's a Plumb:

Marking used on some PLUMB single bit axes and hatchets. The letter “M” sometimes appears by itself and sometimes with a mark above the letter “M” which was from the top edge of the stamp. The letter may have stood for a significant distributor that sold axes so marked.
from YesteryearsTools

 

[Thundermtn]

I have an old double marked the same way. Tagged

 

[Hickory n steel]

I've heard the 'M' stamp indicates either Mann or Mexico. Who knows, maybe it means both. Maybe neither.

The cheeks aren't convexed ( meaning later than 1966 ) so if it is a Collins the M would have to mean Mann or mexico, but the earliest Mexican made ones still said Collins on them and had a simple M on the back to designate Mexican production. So if is Mexican it would likely have to be fairly recent.

 

[DarthTaco123]

I've had a couple of Collins axes with the foil lable and handle stamped Collins, but had the M marking on them. The general consensus is they're from Collins after 1966 when Mann bought them out, or Plumbs.

 

[vanwag44]

Thanks for all the responses guys!

 

[Agent_H]

Maybe someone can find the "M" marked thread that was going a couple of months.

I don't have any "M" marked tools but here is an example (if that sticker is original to the axe)

 

[300Six]

Maybe someone can find the "M" marked thread that was going a couple of months.

I don't have any "M" marked tools but here is an example (if that sticker is original to the axe)

Very interesting! With regard to Canada those flat slab type handles are 1990s production to reduce the size of wood billets from 1 1/2 inch to 1 inch. Garant in Quebec certainly made and marketed these (or ones just like it) until recently (ie 2010) and I did watch the changeover from conventional handles over to those flat handles happen in around 1995. Garant Industries never did make it's own heads. However to see a flat-cheeked Collins with an 'M' stamp and a handle sticker that says "made in America" suggests to me that the truth has been stretched considerably. I guess "made in America" can be loosely interpreted as north "America" (Canada-made handle) and central "America" (Mexican head) and perhaps US of "America" assembly and addition of stickers and decals.

 

[Operator1975]

Those Collins marked with the M were originally thought to be made via Mann after it went to Mexico or in Mexico - however that is not the case, and those are Collins Axe, or The Collins Axe post Mann take over and made at the Lewistown Pa plant.

The M marking on Plumbs - probably due to when METCo was making Plumb axes.........would be around the same time Mann was making Collins.......that would line up time wise