Carpenter's Axe ID

J

james_bond

Joined
May 23, 2006
Messages
232
So I was at my local thrift store to day and on a shelf for for $1.50 was this old axe.:cool: Having nearly nothing to loose I got it and while it is old and rusty if just feels well made and solid.
I can't make out let alone find any markings of any sort. My little research leads me to believe it is a Carpenter's hand axe with chisel grind (I also found a picture calling is a scissor style grind?).

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The following to pics try to show how the left side is completely flat.

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If anybody could please give me any info (age, model, style, brand, use etc.) on this axe it would be greatly appreciated.
Also if there is any advise on refinishing it.
 
Naval jelly http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1876643&CAWELAID=344292292 will take the rust off if you don't want to chuck up a wire brush in the drill. Then paint with a good epoxy paint. Or if you wanted an antique type finish, consider browning it. Here http://firearmshistory.blogspot.com/2010/08/metal-treatments-browning-and-bluing.html is a good description of browning.

If you want to save the handle rather than replace it, apply boiled linseed oil, let it dry, then apply more until it won't take any more (looks like it will take a lot).
 
Collins and Plumb (and perhaps others) made carpenters axes with that head shape. I have a Collins carpenters axe that looks like the one you posted. THe markings I have seen on the carpenters axes have been on the curved (non-flat) side.
 
I've collected dozens of hewing axes over the years, there is no possible way to ID it without a somewhat ledgible mark.

It will more than likely be on the poll when you lay it flat side down. Hit it quick with a brass brush.
 
Thanks for the help everybody.
I still can't read/find any markings. This axe was used to split wood or something there is a clear wear pattern on the rounded side.
 
Looks like some old blue paint in spots. I have seen some Collins with origional blue paint on them.
You can also soak the head in mustard for a couple days....Removes rust....
 
Where is this thrift shop?

A lot of these old hewing hatchet are marked.

Look good enough to be cleaned up and put back to work.

I think in it had a trade mark it would be on the sharpened side.
I have use penetrating oil and scotch brite to bring out an old trade mark.
 
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