Gransfors Bruk Camping & Sport hatchet

[i_the_prodigy]

Hey guys, I found this old hatchet it says "Made in Sweden" stamped on the bottom of the head under the poll. It has to weigh under a pound and the blade length is 2 and 3/4 inches. It sad Granafors Camping & Sport YXA on the sticker of the handle along with some other things I can't make out too clearly. But I'm just looking for some information about it, as I have been looking all around and haven't found anything. If you know ANYTHING about it please let me know, I'm all ears. Thanks guys I attached some pics down below.

 

[The Zieg]

Well, as you know it's a Gränsfors Bruks hatchet, in the "boy's axe" style. "Yxa" is Swedish for "axe". The label puts it in the 1960s era and the carved words in the handle seem to back this up. I was able to make out a date in the last photo, "1-1-69" I think. I also recognized the English word "greyhound" (although as a greyhound owner for many years, I may be a bit suggestible on this one). I'd love to see another pic of that inscription. [Second look--it may be the owner's name, "Stephen" something?]

The sticker is the thing that amazes me, that it would still be there for so long. The head hasn't seen much use but the end of the handle looks to have poked a few campfires. If you are a collector, that label is going to raise its value. If you're a user, then you have found yourself a very nice hand axe. Save it for posterity or use it for the tool it is, either way, enjoy it!

Zieg

 

[Remzy]

hmmm a Gransfors bruks with lacquered and painted handle, grind marks on the head, yep, its old.
It does not necesseraly make it superior or equal to today's GBA quality.

Dont get me wrong, i have a 80's 3lbs head that is great steel, just the whole package of the paint and chemical era was "meh" to me.

but some people on the known auction site might bid high for a labeled 60's 70's GBA!

 

[i_the_prodigy]

Wow thanks guys! I may be trying to sell it but the thing is if I do I know I'll probably never run into one for the rest of my life :/

 

[i_the_prodigy]

And I'll try to take some more detailed pics tomorrow

 

[garry3]

Its one of those axes that are worth more on that auction site than they are really worth. They can be nice enough hatchets but you can get better ones cheaper. It would be popular with the GB sticker. I would sell that one in a heart beat and never look back, unless you collect GB's then ya you would have a hard time replacing it.

 

[garry3]

hmmm a Gransfors bruks with lacquered and painted handle, grind marks on the head, yep, its old.
It does not necesseraly make it superior or equal to today's GBA quality.

Dont get me wrong, i have a 80's 3lbs head that is great steel, just the whole package of the paint and chemical era was "meh" to me.

but some people on the known auction site might big high for a labeled 60's 70's GBS!

I think you have this one nailed down pretty well with the date. Cheeks look pretty flat. GB at there worst. Older ones seem to have a high centerline with some shape to them. This one might be just before they changed their ways and made heavily ground heads with the smiths being paid in piece work. It looks the part.

But if its from the 60's and 70's makes it a newer modern head.

 

[The Zieg]

Its one of those axes that are worth more on that auction site than they are really worth. They can be nice enough hatchets but you can get better ones cheaper. It would be popular with the GB sticker. I would sell that one in a heart beat and never look back, unless you collect GB's then ya you would have a hard time replacing it.

Yep! Selling it to a collector may get you enough to purchase another, better, axe and a nice knife to go with!

Or keep it on the wall and then buy those two things anyway.

Zieg

 

[Remzy]

That huge gap around the head and handle attachment is really meh, i agree with you Garry, worth more because of the name and history, but the fit and finish... yuck.

 

[i_the_prodigy]

Hmm alright well I've always wanted a newer GB hatchet, do you guys think it would be enough to cover one? I'm still in the dark here but if anyone would like to PM me with a price range I may or may not get for it would really shed some light on the situation.

 

[Remzy]

I am a non paying peasant around here so i cannot help you by discussing price, or Im you but id say you probably could get almost 3/4 of a small forest axe if you play your card right on that famous auction site.

really depend on who is watching, when, tho...

 

[i_the_prodigy]

Alright thanks guys! It might be up on that darn auction sight soon, now if it was anyone of you selling it, you you get the rust off of it first (vinegar bath) or would you just sell it as is?

 

[300Six]

Wow thanks guys! I may be trying to sell it but the thing is if I do I know I'll probably never run into one for the rest of my life :/

I suspected you were interested solely in what something like this was worth. 50 years ago these only sold because they were cheaper than domestics and now all of a sudden they're worshipped by Millennials. Ebay will help settle this for you.
First class implement otherwise and with the paper label will surely attract lots of attention. You can find another one just like it but without the label or the stamp on it and pocket the change.

 

[garry3]

Alright thanks guys! It might be up on that darn auction sight soon, now if it was anyone of you selling it, you you get the rust off of it first (vinegar bath) or would you just sell it as is?

I would use some fine steel wool with a shot of WD-40 and JUST hit the areas on the head that have rust. You can clean the handle also, but don't remove any finish and stay away from the labels. Don't over do it. Try to make it look like it has never been touched, less is more.

That is what I think will bring you your best return.

 

[Remzy]

I wouldnt even touch it, the person buying it for its vintage attribute would either want to clean it himself or leave it untempered with, just cash on the "vintage" and "authenticity" cliche in you auction and you ought to net just as much without messing around with it.