It followed me home (Part 2)

JPA88 · Feb 20, 2016

jblyttle said:
I love how deep the hardened bit is, what a nice axe head. Those US made Craftsman axe heads may be the best value going in vintage heads. Very high quality but without the top tier collectible price tag.

Now that blacksmith sign is something else. If I found that it would make my year. I would even willingly buy a reproduction just because it would be so cool to hang it up. That is something that I would never consider selling, but even if I had to I would sell it for a very precious price. What a treasure.

Thanks for the comments, JB. I'm amazed by all the big hauls you post on here. Lots of good items. Crazy.

You're right about those old Craftsman's, they are great quality and not very sought after in general. I can't wait to get a handle made for it and start swingin'.

I was pretty excited when I found that trade sign. I've never seen one before and I can only find a few other similar examples on the internet. I think it would almost have to be an original/unique design. I lightly ran a wire wheel over it, but that's probably as far as i'll go on restoration. It's part of the town's history, I'll probably hang it in my office so the local folk that come in can enjoy it.

quinton · Feb 20, 2016

Having shod many horses in my day, the blacksmith trade sign is amazing to see thanks for showing us!

Square_peg · Feb 20, 2016

JPA88 said:
I was pretty excited when I found that trade sign. I've never seen one before and I can only find a few other similar examples on the internet. I think it would almost have to be an original/unique design.

It surely is a unique piece made by the smith who hung it. That's the beauty of it.

Robertax · Feb 21, 2016

still kinda new to the obsession but have become consumed by it! Living in Los Angeles and ax addiction don't go well together but I found all this for $25 feeling a little lucky.

Has anyone heard of "Worth" brand ax? Can't find any info but it's a beautiful piece.

Steve Tall · Feb 21, 2016

Robertax said:
...Has anyone heard of "Worth" brand ax? Can't find any info but it's a beautiful piece.

From an earlier thread:

Operator1975 said:
Couple I picked up - Worth naming on them - had seen this name - but not a lot - but to find a DB and hatchet at the same flea market bought off of different guys was interesting I thought - some pics. DB before and after - sorry only after on the hatchet. Enjoy!

...

Agent_H · Feb 21, 2016

Robertax, looks like you might have a rafting pattern there?

Robertax · Feb 21, 2016

Yes sir, it weighs 4#8oz and has the national supply co. Stamp on it. It just came out of the vinegar bath the bit and poll are still well tempered. Pretty stoked!

Robertax · Feb 21, 2016

After vinegar bath

jblyttle · Feb 21, 2016

Robertax said:
After vinegar bath

You got an amazing deal on those, congrats!

rjdankert · Feb 21, 2016

Robertax said:
. . .Has anyone heard of "Worth" brand ax? . . .

This will give you a start:

BIGELOW & DOWSE CO./BOSTON, MASS

The Bigelow & Dowes Company was one of the many large hardware companies that imprinted their own brand name on the tools they sold. Their "Worth' brand is found on draw knives, chisels, planes and many other sorts of tools. For those with an interest in these hardware dealers and their imprints, there is an excellent table included as an appendix to Patented Transitional & Metallic Planes in America, Volume II.

Bob

rockman0 · Feb 21, 2016

Steve Tall · Feb 21, 2016

Robertax said:
After vinegar bath

I'm guessing that the rafting/construction axe with the NSCO stamp (National Supply Co.) was made by Plumb, since some other NSCO axes were also stamped Plumb, such as this one:

getridone said:
...This is my kindling hatchet, had it for a while. It's a plumb, but on one side it has the letters NSCC (or NSCO) inside a crest...

Robertax · Feb 21, 2016

Yes the plumb markings are on the other side. I just wanted to show the cool stamp.

Robertax · Feb 21, 2016

Rjdankert Thank you! I couldn't find anything. Now I have a starting point.

JPA88 · Feb 21, 2016

Found this at a sale yesterday. It'll replace my Mexican Trooper. Can anybody tell me about this makers mark? Looks like it may have been painted green. Thanks

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Steve Tall · Feb 21, 2016

JPA88 said:
...

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Woodings-Verona Tool Works

(The upside-down stamp shows W, V, and T). Is it really 9 pounds, or 6?

rjdankert · Feb 21, 2016

JPA88 said:
Found this at a sale yesterday. It'll replace my Mexican Trooper. Can anybody tell me about this makers mark?. . .

Looks like no 72 below

Sorry I don't know the date of the catalog.

JPA88 said:
. . .Looks like it may have been painted green. Thanks

I really don't know anything about the green, but this might provide a clue

Bob

JPA88 · Feb 21, 2016

Thanks Fellas! Very helpful

Steve Tall said:
Woodings-Verona Tool Works

(The upside-down stamp shows W, V, and T). Is it really 9 pounds, or 6?

Overall weight 7 lbs 6 oz. Gotta be 6.

I really don't know anything about the green, but this might provide a clue

That's an interesting snippet about the Veronalloy green paint. I do wonder what year that catalog is.

The maul does not have the "warning wear safety goggles" disclaimer on it. When did they start stamping that on Mauls?

SC T100 · Feb 22, 2016

I have a Worth half-hatchet as well. I never found out much info, but it seems like great steel and generally of high quality.

Robertax · Feb 22, 2016

Robertax said:
Rjdankert Thank you! I couldn't find anything. Now I have a starting point.

SC T100 said:
I have a Worth half-hatchet as well. I never found out much info, but it seems like great steel and generally of high quality.

I did some digging last night on Bigelow & Dowse Co. They used the Worth name on a few different tools from 1928 to 1945
But most of the tools were made by Peck, Stowe & Wilcox thanks again for the info Rjdankert