Large French axe

jblyttle said:
I'd like to learn what size and shape handle would be corect and original for this head. Also, which way is up? I'm very unfamiliar with these.
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The photo Agent H posted should help with orientation but looks like a modern handle cut down to me?
I can't help because I simply make what'll work if it's a user, or what I think will look good if not a user, I wonder on the really old heads that were probably bought without hafts if it was simply a case of what the owner fancied or had to hand, like a branch!?

Agent_H said:
I'mSoSharp - you might be able find out something about your axes reading through this site:

Google translate is your friend and sometimes your worse enemy.
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Thanks for that Agent H. Translating can be fun......:confused:

:)
 
jblyttle said:
I'd like to learn what size and shape handle would be corect and original for this head. Also, which way is up? I'm very unfamiliar with these.


Click to expand...
14
A la veille de la Première Guerre mondiale, les taillandiers de la Fure réunissent toutes les conditions nécessaires au plein essor de leur activité*: une main-d'œuvre disponible et formée, un réseau de communications ouvert, un potentiel énergétique important. L'usine Bret à Charavines emploie de 70 à 80 ouvriers. Le site compte trois chutes, la première fait mouvoir cinq roues, deux turbines pour actionner les martinets, une sixième roue fait tourner deux meules et actionne la tournerie. La seconde chute actionne quatre turbines pour deux martinets et diverses machines-outils, tandis que la troisième comporte une turbine attelée avec un moteur électrique pour un compresseur d'air à l'usage des marteaux. Trois marteaux sont actionnés par des moteurs électriques d'une force de 30 CV. L'usine Gourju du Rivier d'Apprieu, spécialisée dans la fabrique de versoirs pour les charrues, compte 16 ouvriers, l'usine Experton-Revollier à Renage 80 ouvriers, huit turbines, 12 roues hydrauliques, et un complément de force pris sur le secteur pour une puissance forfaitaire fixe de 120 CV. L'usine Rival de Fure comporte une installation plus modeste, avec quelques «*roues de pêche*»9.

Rhône valley near Lyon

 
prior ww1, edge makers of la fure have all the requested conditions to fully devellop their trade. workmanship available and specialized, an open network of communication, a huge energetic potential. the Bret fabric in charavines contract 70 to 80 workers, site has 3 waterfalls first one makes turn 5 wheels,two hammers a 6 Wheel makes 2 grinding wheels rotate and so turning lathes. second waterfall makes turn 24 wheels for 2 hammers and some machinery.3 one has a rotor to rotate a lelectric motor for compressed air for hammers.3 hammers are put in action with electrical engines of 30 powerhorses.
the gourju firm of rivier d'apprieu specialized in sod busters has 16 workers , the experton velior (revex later on)in renage 80 workers. 8 rotors 12 water wheels and a electrical power for a potential of 120 powerhorses.
the rival plant of la fure has a more modest settlement with some" fishing wheels"
.
 
This is what they've ended up looking like.

DSC07507_zpsxopen1hc.jpg


That's a 14" hatchet for scale.

The first handle is what came with the axe, now wedged up & solid, it's short but it's such a heavy head I don't think anything longer is necessary, I think this would be used for hewing swung between the legs?

The next one's a rough 'n' ready haft that feels about right to use, then the curved one that was "lord of the rings" made for fun but probably isn't practical, though it's not as bad in the hand as it looks due to the heavy head acting like a pendulum.

:)
 
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I have just acquired an old axe on a flea market. It is market Talabot 49 Sautdutarn (at least this is what I can read) Do you have any idea how old it might be and what could be its value? Its in pretty good condition, only superficially rusted but not worn or nicked.
 
, Talabot 49 Saut du Tarn ,
saut du Tarn, is a village wich name can be translated in : spring of river Tarn.
Talabot is the brand,
Saut du Tarn was well known for its steel quarry of good quality.
can't tell for the value , without a picture or model type, but i'd say from 12 to 40 euros...
 
Thank you Flexo for taking the time to answer. Aster your illustration I went into the web to search for some history, and learnt that Talabot's factory opened in 1823 and went under on 1870, so it probably is more that 100 years old.
I tried to upload a photo but the windows asks me for an URL which I don't have, and can't find any other way to paste it.
Can send it to you attached to an e-mail if you share your address.
Appreciate you value estimation. I like this axe very much and wouldn't sell it. In January I will have the time to put a handle on it and give it a go splitting some wood.

Regards
Federicob
 
Hi federico 162, it would be great to see a photo of your axe, PM me if Flexo can't help.
 
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