MANN axe ID

[Andrew H]

Hey there y'all, I'm new to this forum. Have been pouring over it and web info in general trying to find information about an axe head I have. I do yard work and odd jobs for my neighbor and I've been noticing an axe in her barn. I had asked about it and since she had no use for it, she gave it in return for a weedeating job. Nice swap, me thinks... This thing is huge! 10" total length. 5 1/2" bit. Roughly 8 lbs. What I'd like to know is what was this thing used for?? Seems a massive thing to be just choppin' wood with. Also any history on it. I have looked into the history of the MANN EDGE TOOL CO, so I know a bit, but not a whole lot. Anyone have any specific history on this axe style, size? Does the stamp tell anything? Thank for any help!

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

Hey there y'all, I'm new to this forum. Have been pouring over it and web info in general trying to find information about an axe head I have. I do yard work and odd jobs for my neighbor and I've been noticing an axe in her barn. I had asked about it and since she had no use for it, she gave it in return for a weedeating job. Nice swap, me thinks... This thing is huge! 10" total length. 5 1/2" bit. Roughly 8 lbs. What I'd like to know is what was this thing used for?? Seems a massive thing to be just choppin' wood with. Also any history on it. I have looked into the history of the MANN EDGE TOOL CO, so I know a bit, but not a whole lot. Anyone have any specific history on this axe style, size? Does the stamp tell anything? Thank for any help!

My money is on Fireman's axe

 

[tltt]

Offered up to #6 pounds, Mann's Flat Head Fire Axe in 1982 - https://ia800902.us.archive.org/Boo...0000.jp2&id=MannFireAxes1982&scale=4&rotate=0 .

In 1949, they were offering the Indian Chief Pick style up to 8lbs - https://ia903009.us.archive.org/Boo...p2&id=MannEdgeToolCoCatalog2&scale=4&rotate=0 .

So, I agree, it will probably be a fire axe made sometime in that time range. The heaviest the they were going in 1949 on non-fire pattern heads was 6lbs.

 

[Andrew H]

That would make sense. The ladies husband is a retired fire fighter. Thanks

 

[Hickory n steel]

It looks like the fire department where he worked stamped some markings into it too.

 

[Andrew H]

Yeah I noticed those. Thought maybe they were initials.

 

[Duriensbane]

If it has a fat profile, would be a great splitter at that weight, but its probly a bit thinner as ive seen alot of the firemans axes be. Even tho, still a good trade IMO.

 

[Hickory n steel]

I sure would love to score one of those " little fireman ", or more ideally one of the older Indian Chief fireman hatchets if I ever find a good one at a reasonable price.
Sadly it seems theres almost nothing desirable to be that isn't also desirable to a bunch of other people.

 

[daizee]

I have a worn Mann Connecticut pattern that is an absolute splitting machine.
Great vintage tool you've got there.

 

[Square_peg]

I'm happy to see that the forum has identified your axe. I'd love to try that out as a splitter. Are you interested in selling it?