Grove Tool Works axes? Antique store find.

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chuxwan

Joined
Aug 26, 2012
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I picked up this oversized hatched at an antique store yesterday. The poll was horribly mushroomed the way antique store finds often are, but I could make out the bottom of the stamp just barely.

TOOL WORKS
NEW YORK CITY

I think this is a grove tool works axe based on some pictures of their stamp. Am I wrong?
Has anyone ever heard of this company?

Here's a photo of what remains of the stamp. Obviously I'm well underway grinding through the abuse.







The eye is a little off, but not too bad. Otherwise it's in pretty decent shape so I've got a short ash haft in the works.
 
Shoot, that grind isn't bad. Makes me realize the work I invested in my first Plumb "Victory" Boy's Axe. No power tools (not that I'm suggesting your using them either), a set of 3 different files and about 45 minutes later I got to where your at now. 45 doesn't sound like much but do it while giving the push-pull and you'll find how quick the years have added up :(
 
Here's a better shot from above, shows how the cheeks really are. That other shot is maybe a bit deceiving.

 
Here's a better shot from above, shows how the cheeks really are. That other shot is maybe a bit deceiving.

 
I have a couple Grove Tool Works hatchets. They have a fine factory polish and hard steel. I know nothing else about them but when was the last time tools were manufactured in NYC?
 
You're not kidding about hard steel. Skating is an understatement for what my files are doing.
 
Coming along. This steel is really a bear to work.



I rounded the poll because it was rendered useless by the previous owner. It makes a really nice spot to grab for small cuts now.



You can see how off the eye was. It looks to have been forged this crooked. I tried to compensate for the twist when I made the handle, and was able to get it almost straight.

 
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