Can't figure this out...

S

Stepholopogus

Joined
Apr 16, 2012
Messages
1
I found what I think is an axe in an old backyard in downtown San Jose. I've tried doing research on it, but I haven't been able to find any revealing information on it, and for some reason I'm very interested to know what it's all about. On the axe (or whatever), is a label that says "Collins", which I've looked up as well and found close to nothing. Could anyone give me some information? Thank you. :)
2012-04-16_14-49-46_186.jpg
 
I believe that tool is referred to as a mattock, or axe mattock. One end of yours has been folded over somehow.
 
trailmaker said:
I believe that tool is referred to as a mattock, or axe mattock. One end of yours has been folded over somehow.
Click to expand...

Bingo! Axe mattock that someone has folded over using it as a pick. I've got one just like it at work. Why they ever made such wimpy mattocks I will never understand.
 
Ha, this thread is funny. I was just playing with one of these in the shed today. The only thing I can add is some info on Collins, Collins is an old brand with a lot of tool history, but the company has gone kaploey and turned production over to Mexico.

And I've always heard of them being called a farmers axe here, mattock is a new term to me.
 
I'm not terribly familiar with mattocks, but is that handle style typical for mattocks? It looks like a DB handle. I thought mattocks were usually slip ons. Just curious.
 
Yeah, you're right. An axe mattock with a DB eye is really a Pulaski. But that's the whimpiest Pulaski I've ever seen.
 
They make/made picks, mattocks, beaters, etc. with db axe eyes. I've got a few. That is a cutter mattock with the mattock end bent down.
 
That's a good example, Double Ott. Axe mattocks tend to have short axe bits and longer mattock blades. And I like to see them on a pick handle rather than on a DB/Pulaski handle. I use these tools as stump diggers. I like to pry with them. A pick handle is much better suited to prying than a DB/Pulaski handle.
 
Back in the day, in North Carolina, we used them for digging stumps, getting roots out from brush, and other hard digging to open ground for new gardens.

Howard
 
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