Can anyone tell me about this Master Mechanic Michigan pattern axe head?

jblyttle · Dec 2, 2014

Does anyone know who made this? It probably doesn't have much value, but I have some spare handles that need heads. Is this decent quality, worth investing some time in?

I like the shape and the condition is good, I also like that it is stamped not just labeled. Maybe better than current hardware store offerings?

Steve Tall · Dec 2, 2014

I can tell you that the vintage is approximately October

of 1980, when they sold for $11.95 at True Value hardware stores.

http://books.google.com/books?id=_VEEAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA29&ots=I35tT8Y3_M&dq=%22master%20mechanic%22%20%22true%20value%22%20axe&pg=PA29#v=onepage&q=%22master%20mechanic%22%20%22true%20value%22%20axe&f=false

jblyttle · Dec 2, 2014

Steve Tall said:
I can tell you that the vintage is approximately October of 1980, when they sold for $11.95 at True Value hardware stores.

http://books.google.com/books?id=_VEEAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA29&ots=I35tT8Y3_M&dq=%22master%20mechanic%22%20%22true%20value%22%20axe&pg=PA29#v=onepage&q=%22master%20mechanic%22%20%22true%20value%22%20axe&f=false

That will teach me to look harder on google before asking. I found the same Axe in ads from 1978 and 1983, both reference drop forged tool steel. I'm starting to feel good about this head.

Steve Tall · Dec 2, 2014

Master Mechanic tools were evidently competing with Craftsman and had a similar "immediate replacement" guarantee.

Looks like it could have been made by Collins (similar to this Collins Homestead axe):

jblyttle · Dec 2, 2014

Steve Tall said:
Master Mechanic tools were evidently competing with Craftsman and had a similar "immediate replacement" guarantee.

Looks like it could have been made by Collins (similar to this Collins Homestead axe):

I was thinking the same, I had one of those. Same shape, same type if stamp, same shape and colors on the label, same aluminum wedge. Good call. I'll hang it.

300Six · Dec 2, 2014

Steve: not only are you good but you call a 'spade' a 'spade'.

Square_peg · Dec 3, 2014

Steve Tall said:
Looks like it could have been made by Collins (similar to this Collins Homestead axe):

And recall that those Collins axes were made by the Mann Edge Tool Co. When I saw his photo I immediately thought 'Mann'.

greensngravy · Apr 7, 2020

jblyttle said:
Does anyone know who made this? It probably doesn't have much value, but I have some spare handles that need heads. Is this decent quality, worth investing some time in?

I like the shape and the condition is good, I also like that it is stamped not just labeled. Maybe better than current hardware store offerings?

Can anyone tell me if this axe (possibly made by Mann?) was made by Mann in Lewiston, PA, or was it made in Mexico by Collins??