Maine axe ID help?

mg19 · Nov 26, 2018

I bought this single bit at an old antique warehouse in NH a few years ago and finally got around to cleaning off the rust. There is a faint stamp that once said OAKLAND ME, it's a little easier to make out in person. Trying to figure out who the manufacturer was. The only other mark is the weight stamp on the bottom of the poll (3 1/2), which I've never seen in that location before... is this a distinct place for the stamp? Came across something suggesting Spiller but I'm not sure how reliable that information is. Let me know any thoughts!

Yankee Josh · Nov 27, 2018

mg19 said:
I bought this single bit at an old antique warehouse in NH a few years ago and finally got around to cleaning off the rust. There is a faint stamp that once said OAKLAND ME, it's a little easier to make out in person. Trying to figure out who the manufacturer was. The only other mark is the weight stamp on the bottom of the poll (3 1/2), which I've never seen in that location before... is this a distinct place for the stamp? Came across something suggesting Spiller but I'm not sure how reliable that information is. Let me know any thoughts!

It bums me out when i post an axe i.d. question and no one answers. So even though i can't help with the identification i thought I'd respond. I have several that have the location and a weight stamp only. Not even a hint of a makers mark left. I had hoped, as you probably do, that someone would recognize the font or the placement/ arrangement of the said location and weight stamp. But alas, it's all but impossible. So even though i can't help i can commiserate with you! Best of luck in your search for the maker of your axe! Looks like a wedge pattern to me.

mg19 · Nov 27, 2018

Yankee Josh said:
It bums me out when i post an axe i.d. question and no one answers. So even though i can't help with the identification i thought I'd respond. I have several that have the location and a weight stamp only. Not even a hint of a makers mark left. I had hoped, as you probably do, that someone would recognize the font or the placement/ arrangement of the said location and weight stamp. But alas, it's all but impossible. So even though i can't help i can commiserate with you! Best of luck in your search for the maker of your axe! Looks like a wedge pattern to me.

Yes, that was the hope. I am as good as any other millennial at digging deep into the bowels of the internet... but some things just aren't there. At least we know where they came from!

Malpaso · Nov 27, 2018

I am a relative neophyte when it come it axes. However, in the book Axe Manufacturers & Major Purveyors in Northern New England, there are 13 listed as having done business in Oakland, ME. Based on my limited knowledge, it resembles somewhat a Witherell, but there are very few pictures and drawings to compare to. Good luck, and let us know what you find.

mg19 · Nov 28, 2018

Malpaso said:
I am a relative neophyte when it come it axes. However, in the book Axe Manufacturers & Major Purveyors in Northern New England, there are 13 listed as having done business in Oakland, ME. Based on my limited knowledge, it resembles somewhat a Witherell, but there are very few pictures and drawings to compare to. Good luck, and let us know what you find.

Do you know anything about Witherell as a separate brand from Emerson & Stevens? Brant & Cochran has a little paragraph on their own brands: "We know that Emerson & Stevens made axes under a number of trade names. Invoices from label makers allow us to date when these brands were being produced. In 1940 they were making axes under the Witherell, Lumberman's Pride, and Forest King names. 1944 saw the Pine Tree, Diamond and Damon brands used." (https://www.bnctools.com/blogs/news/secrets-of-the-emerson-stevens-company) Also seems like there was a Witherell tool company separate from E & S

Malpaso · Nov 28, 2018

mg19 said:
Do you know anything about Witherell as a separate brand from Emerson & Stevens? Brant & Cochran has a little paragraph on their own brands: "We know that Emerson & Stevens made axes under a number of trade names. Invoices from label makers allow us to date when these brands were being produced. In 1940 they were making axes under the Witherell, Lumberman's Pride, and Forest King names. 1944 saw the Pine Tree, Diamond and Damon brands used." (https://www.bnctools.com/blogs/news/secrets-of-the-emerson-stevens-company) Also seems like there was a Witherell tool company separate from E & S

"In 1920, the Witherell Axe Co., also of Oakland, was purchased. Along with that acquisition came the brand names used by Witherell. Emerson & Stevens chose to continue some of those brands including the use of the COCK OF THE WOODS brand."

The Emerson & Stevens axes pictured do not resemble yours. If you think it is from post 1920, it *could* be a Emerson & Stevens/Witherell.