Identification/ help please ...(continued)

[The Government]

I've just recently started axe collecting, and there are a few axes I have questions about.

Any info that you all might be able to share would be greatly appreciated (age, maker, history, etc).

As far as I can tell, it says "A.J.A.X./ extra tool steel" and it has a "C" marking on the underside of the poll. Also, it looks like the poll is fracturing pretty badly. Could that be hard metal on top of softer metal?

Thanks in advance!

 

[martemper]

hibbard spencer and bartlet co. hardware line.

 

[The Government]

Here are a couple others, both from M.W.H. Co.

...From second-hand research I'm guessing these were made for the Marshall-Wells Hardware stores. I've read that their axe manufacturers may have been True Temper, Kelly, Collins, or Welland Vale.

Could anyone guess a date of manufacture on either of these?

Reads: "M. W. H. Co /// FORGED /// HARTFORD /// STEEL"

Thanks again!!!

 

[The Government]

hibbard spencer and bartlet co. hardware line.

Thanks for the response!

 

[Dusty One]

I think the double bit was made between 1893 and 1899

 

[The Government]

Thanks!

 

[Steve Tall]

hibbard spencer and bartlet co. hardware line.

Some more info along these lines. One of the two photos on the linked page shows a hatchet head with a clear stamp:

AJAX
EXTRA TOOL STEEL
H S B & CO

http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/antique-axe-hatchet-ajax-s-co-vintage-20046050

HSB&Co. history:
www.thckk.org/history/hsb.pdf

 

[The Government]

Thanks! I saw mention of the AJAX trademark in that article.

 

[Operator1975]

Sorry was thinking of Hubbard. Darn it.

 

[The Government]

You guys rock. Im really appreciating the help.

I run into axes all the time, and now I'm going to be paying more attention. I could definitely use some informational books. One on axe types and their purposes and manufacturing techniques, then another on the histories of different makers.