Photos Do I use this, or not?

[Yellowdog762]

Here's a Collins Axe, approximately 3-3.5 lbs. The label says
Collins Commander
Made in USA
Mann Edge Tool of Lewistown, Pennsylvania.

The handle is original and has a Collins label on it. The axe does not appear to have been used. There are no identifiers stamped on the head, only the label. If I use it, the label will quickly come off.

I'm guessing that the axe is not a significant collector's item, so it's not a big deal, but I figured I'd double check before I made a huge mistake. But once the label comes off, how would one know if it were an American made axe, or a foreign made one?

 

[TROB]

I’d use it.

 

[jblyttle]

It's a newer model, and not a collector. You won't really be de-valuing it at all. Use it, it's a fine tool.

 

[DB_Cruiser]

Hey, That's in nice shape! But I would totally put it to work.

 

[FLINT77]

That is a cool looking axe I like it. I guess that's a Michigan pattern although it almost looks like a national.

I wonder if it's stamped M 3 1/2 under that label

How long is the handle?

 

[Steve Tall]

I wonder if it's stamped M 3 1/2 under that label?

That's a great question. Perhaps the ones with an M stamp originally had a different label, that said "Made in Mexico", like this one:

One of the "Commander labels used by Collins Axe of Lewistown, PA. after 1966."
from YesteryearsTools

 

[garry3]

I know my pictures are bad but the Collins label says Lewis town PA. The M 3 1/2 is on the other side.

 

[Steve Tall]

I know my pictures are bad but the Collins label says Lewis town PA. The M 3 1/2 is on the other side.

Thanks for that example.
I've never seen the "Made in Mexico" Commander label that's shown at YesteryearsTools.

 

[Yellowdog762]

That is a cool looking axe I like it. I guess that's a Michigan pattern although it almost looks like a national.

I wonder if it's stamped M 3 1/2 under that label

How long is the handle?

The label says it is made in the US.

The handle is about 36 inches.

I didn't see anything stamped on the reverse, such is why I hate to loose the label.

It sounds like it'd be a shame NOT to use it though.

Thanks to everyone for their advice!

J

 

[gben]

Beater axes are too easy to find to resort to using up any old ones with original labels. "Collectible" is a subjective phrase. There are snobs in collecting anything that will apply their standards to what others are doing. If you put history first before money, yourself or materialism then a lot of things become important besides Kelly Black Ravens....

 

[DB_Cruiser]

I am of the opinion that collectibility is in the eye of the beholder and the mind of the owner. I personally buy axes to be used and would not be prejudiced against using a NOS or collectible axe if it came into my hands. I also would not begrudge someone else buying one and hanging it on the wall. Tools can be special like that. Working art... or just art. Either way can honor history with the right attitude. Again, that's just me and I don't expect everyone to agree.

 

[Square_peg]

It's a newer model, and not a collector. You won't really be de-valuing it at all.

Yes and no.

It's made in the Mann era so it's not a true vintage Collins. But it's old enough that it still has convex cheeks - very few Mann-made Collins have that. I agree that it doesn't have much collector value. It's more like a "nice to have a high quality axe like this around for when the shit hits the fan" type of axe.