Collins axe ID

[Tom Santoli]

I have an old Collins axe that I'd like to learn more about; it looks like a trade axe and is marked "Collins & Co. Legitimus 4 1/2".

I'll post a picture soon.

 

[cooperhill]

Best source for axe information is yesteryeartools.com Any Collins marked Legitimus is a good one in my book. The later Collins are of questionable quality.

 

[Square_peg]

A Legitimus is the real deal and a 4-1/2 pounder is a big one. Pics please!

 

[zcd]

A Legitimus is the real deal and a 4-1/2 pounder is a big one. Pics please!

I second the pic request, pics or it didn't happen

 

[bearhunter]

Pics man pics

 

[kksalm]

This one says legitmus 4.0. Makes one wonder......

 

[bearhunter]

This one says legitmus 4.0. Makes one wonder......

I believe that's one made for the South American market.

 

[Double Ott]

I believe that's one made for the South American market.

He is correct. They were made for export to that market. You don't see many of them in the States.

Tom

 

[Nichols747]

http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com/viewitem?itemId=130840722673&index=7&nav=SEARCH&nid=77695109003

So I just picked up this Collins Legitimus Hartford 6lb Pick Head Axe, and I'm trying to date it. Does anyone have any other resources other than yesteryear tools site? They have that particular stamp but no information on years on manufacture.

I'm going to use this for work, and would like to have some history on it.

Thanks!

Andrew

 

[Nichols747]

Sorry, doubletap...

Andrew

 

[bearhunter]

I don't have an exact date(s) for you, but I believe that is one of the older stamps.

 

[Tom Santoli]

I'd like to post a few pictures but the Posting Permissions indicates I cannot add attachments; is there a waiting period before you can post attachments on the forum?

Tom

 

[bearhunter]

I'd like to post a few pictures but the Posting Permissions indicates I cannot add attachments; is there a waiting period before you can post attachments on the forum?

Tom

Yes I believe there is

 

[Square_peg]

Only paid members can upload photos directly to the forums. The rest of us have to use an image hosting service like photobucket or something.

 

[Tom Santoli]

A photo of the axe I have is linked.

Any thoughts?

Tom

 

[Tom Santoli]

A better picture of the axe head after a brief soaking in rust remover.

The round eye seems unusual for an axe, the head slides down the shaft like a pick, there is no wedge.

Any idea when the logo is from?

Thanks;

Tom

 

[bearhunter]

That's an older Collins logo, but I don't have an exact date(s) for it.

As has been mentioned above...
That is a Collins manufactured for the South America market. They had/have round eyes so if and when the haft broke when your in the middle of the Amazon it could easily be replaced with a sapling, limp, etc..
You just couldn't drive down to the hardware store and buy a new handle. They had to be made in the field and the round eyes are easier to improvise than your standard axe eye.