Double bit Axe ID question

[CowCop]

I recently bought this at a thrift store.

Specs are 55 ounces (3.44lbs), 10" length and 3" across the eye.

I cant find any stamps on it.

Is this one to re-handle and use or more of a collector?

Any ideas as to maker, pattern, age etc?

Thanks

 

[halfaxe]

It will make a good user. Michigan pattern. Not a collector piece, it's very common but looks like a good quality mid-twentieth century or earlier North American axe.

 

[CowCop]

Thank you halfaxe.
I now have a fun project to do.

 

[bbforstr]

CowCop

Nice find. Your DB looks like a no-name Michigan pattern. With a little work it should make an excellent tool. Not a lot of value there but you should be very happy with it when you get it hung and sharpened. It probably needs a 32"-36" handle depending on your preference.

 

[CowCop]

Thanks bbforstr.

Now the fun begins. I will also try my luck at making a sheath for the edge.

 

[Square_peg]

It will make a good user. Michigan pattern. Not a collector piece, it's very common but looks like a good quality mid-twentieth century or earlier North American axe.

Good assessment. The geometry says vintage, too. Many no-name axes were made by big name makers and sold to distributors to add their own paper labels too. Probably a very fine axe but doesn't have collector value because it doesn't have a stamp. Perfect for a user! Clean it up, hang it and enjoy!

 

[Skiv]

That's a diamond in the rough. Pick out a good handle for it, clean 'er up and hang it. Looks like somebody hit the edges with a grinder sometime in the past. A Nicholson Axe File and a whetstone are yer friends here.

I'm doing that same thing with a no-name DB head. Put a Link handle on it but that thing's a club. Next task, thin out the handle and reshape the swell, then file and stone the bits and take a couple glam shots for a friend with a thing for axes (and here, of course...).

Lookin' forward to swingin' mine. That first swing with an axe you've brought back from the dead is like gettin' yer first kiss.

 

[CowCop]

Thanks guys.

I've been searching you tube etc for info on restoring axes and have found lots of opinions from soaking in vinegar, hand sanding, machine sanding to using Emory cloth.

Just how far should I go in cleaning it up? Remove pits till smooth? Just a light wire brushing? Any tips appreciated.

Thanks

 

[ODB]

My personal preference is to remove the rust but leave the patina intact. Operator's instructions on the use of an angle grinder with wire wheel accomplish this perfectly. Cleans up the head but keeps the character. Produces faster, cheaper, higher quality results compared to vinegar baths.

 

[bbforstr]

CowCop

I like an 8" wire wheel on a bench grinder. Make sure to use eye protection, sometimes those wires fly off the wheel. Then I use a flat bastard to profile the edge then a 4 1/2 inch angle grinder with a flapper wheel to pretty things up.

Look for a copy of the publication "An Ax to Grind A Practical Ax Manual". It's a great resource on history use and care of axes.

It doesn't look like you have a lot of damage to repair. Have fun restoring your axe. That's what it's all about. Make sure to take before and after pictures and post them when you get it done.