Help Identifying an old axe, DH logo~

E

eajones

Joined
Jul 26, 2019
Messages
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  • Can anyone please help me identify what brand of axe this is?
Any info would be helpful and appreciated!
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Thanks!!
 
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eajones said:
  • photo.php
    Can anyone please help me identify what brand of axe this is?
Any info would be helpful and appreciated!

Thanks!!
Click to expand...


Looks like your tying to do a Facebook photo, that don't work.

I also opened the link, but can't look at it unless signed into FB,so another double whammy.
 
Seems like those have been discussed here before. I might even have one around here with a DH marked under the poll or something. Can't remember who the maker was....:(
 
How long is the handle? Is it a side axe (single bevel with offset blade) or a double bevel?
The poll looks like it has a forward taper to the eye, kind of reminiscent of the Harzer axt (Oberharzer) that makes me think makers from Germany, Austria, or Slovenia in general.
A picture of the eye from above could be helpful. Much of the time the shape of the eye can help determine general region.

The reason I ask is that it is likely an old axt from a region where searching in English may not return any answers - knowing it's region of origin might help with pattern names, maker's history, or other discussions about such markings.
 
eajones said:
DSCF5888.jpg
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That's surely a hard poll. It's not thick enough for heavy pounding but it still adds some utility to the axe. After reading Jake Pogg's description of the use of dissimilar metals in forge welding I have an idea why this is so. It's probably a very old axe, at least more than 60-70 years. Hard to say how long that manufacturing technique held out in whatever part of Europe that was forged in.
 
Square_peg said:
Hard to say how long that manufacturing technique held out in whatever part of Europe that was forged in.
Click to expand...

The lines and general apparent balance of this tool are strongly reminiscent of the` Harz pattern axes in Germany.
I'm lousy at search and have lost all my old files but here's a link to a modern version:https://www.shforestrysupplies.com/advancedwebpage.aspx?cg=3876&cd=4&LastStraightCategory=Outdoor Tools&SBCatPage=

And another:https://ensarshop.com/bison-1879-oberharzer-axe-balta

I agree with Square_peg that the poll been hardened;possibly it's a welded composite,or a differentially hardened monosteel head...Hard to say from photos,but inclined to latter as it seems like there's maybe a trace of a ground-off closed-die "flash" along the top...(?).

It appears to be a nice quality tool,competently hafted,the toe worn considerably,i'd say...
 
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I've been looking at this axe and then having a look at others, it's quite unique but still I'm convinced we can safely call it a zimmermannsbeil in the category of those very handy axes, maybe we can even say hatchets that the carpenter would have once carried with him all the time for general purpose carpentry of all kinds. Clearly it is intended to have a right hand oriented single bevel edge configuration even when those photos provided don't necessarily show it. The nib where the eye has been forged to join the blade is indicative though. The handle mounted then is not typical either in wood or form. More often than not it would be bent away from the back-side and short enough for one handed use. I hadn't thought of the stamp as a brand but if that's your orientation it's fine. The form is a kind of standard with the initials identifying the maker in particular.
 
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