Yesterday I found an ax ($8) and a hatchet ($4) at a local flea market, and I am hoping someone can help with letting me know what I have. I know pictures would be ideal but I have no way to post them at this time. The hatchet (1 1/2) head is stamped on one side "made in w. germany". No other markings I can see other than the weight. The ax (2 1/4) is stamped on one side "US" in a cicle, and on the other side directly oposite is the number 88 in a circle. Both heads appear to be in pretty good shape, but both need rehandled. Any help you can give me is certainly appreciated. Thanks, guys.
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Flea market ax and hatchet heads
- Thread starter et10
- Start date
I think I have seen that US & 88 mark on a Splitting maul and on that one felt it was 80's vintage, but don't know how far back that mark might go. The W German hatchet should be a decent piece based on my experience with 2 W. German heads. If you soak them in vinegar for a day or two the heat treat line should appear. looking darker where heat treated. If no heat treat then not worth redoing in my opinion.
I encourage everyone to seek these older heads out at antique malls, flea markets, garage sales, etc. there are some great ones out there. Even if you get a turd, try again there is lots of good stuff to be had.
I encourage everyone to seek these older heads out at antique malls, flea markets, garage sales, etc. there are some great ones out there. Even if you get a turd, try again there is lots of good stuff to be had.
Photos would be nice for a clear diagnosis, but I can chime in on the larger axe. I have one similar to what you have described...they were military axes from various makers that were contracted by the government around ww2. During that time, Plumb, Winchester, Collins and a few others made pieces for use in the military. It is also possible that there was a marking or name on the axe that got ground off at some point down the trail. Mine has been reprofiled and used a million times with nary a scratch.
The smaller axe from across the pond is probably a decent quality piece. Germans tend to be proud of their tools, so you've got a winner there. Some yard sale finds are really amazing...the tedious part comes when you have to take the time (and subsequent effort) to put the handles back on in the proper fashion. It is a labor of love, but after you soak the handles in linseed oil, drill and pin the head following the proper fitting of the hickory handle, you have a wonderful tool at hand that will last a very long time. A sharp axe is a magnificient thing.
The smaller axe from across the pond is probably a decent quality piece. Germans tend to be proud of their tools, so you've got a winner there. Some yard sale finds are really amazing...the tedious part comes when you have to take the time (and subsequent effort) to put the handles back on in the proper fashion. It is a labor of love, but after you soak the handles in linseed oil, drill and pin the head following the proper fitting of the hickory handle, you have a wonderful tool at hand that will last a very long time. A sharp axe is a magnificient thing.