Need Help identifying axe head

ZamoraMCMLXXIX · Feb 27, 2020

My son started a new hobby restoring old tools. His first project for school is restoring this axe that he found at a local thrift shop (we live in Pisa, Italy). The picture of the full axe is with the handle that he made. The zoomed in photo is the stamp that is on the axe head itself. Does anyone recognize it? We have no other information on it and google results don't show this type of crown stamp/marking. Any help is appreciated. I'd like to keep him excited about this so he continues to spend time with tools instead of video games. He's 17yrs old.

**Sorry, still trying to figure out how to upload pictures**

jake pogg · Feb 27, 2020

I think that you're both fortunate with that young man's inclination/interest in that direction,and wise to support it as much as possible.

I can't help directly with your question as per manufacturer's trade-mark,but if i may suggest something it'd be this:
Broaden your perception of tools in general and axes in particular to such parameters as the Type,or Pattern,and the regional significance if any.
That may very well lead you to much specific history of tool use,trade,economics,in other words all those Whys that caused that axe to be shaped that way,have it's eye be a certain way,and what it's original purpose may've been.

To start,i'd search the net for things relating say to Prandi Andrea "Piemonte" axe,that will give you that general regional shape,i think...

Based on what you find,possibly it may lead you to any number of local industries and history,quite possibly to some historic Celtic or even Phoenician ore locations,trade routes,ancient reasons to make tools like that...

You may suggest to that fine young man that the very same thinking that caused this tool to be made and used is exactly the sort of thinking that eventually resulted in developing electronics,that the computers and video games are logical consequences of all the ore-mining and tool developement of the past few centuries...

...

(hey,was that not a tricky way of saying "i dunno who made that axe",or what?!...I think maybe i've had enough coffee this morning...

ZamoraMCMLXXIX · Feb 27, 2020

jake pogg said:
I think that you're both fortunate with that young man's inclination/interest in that direction,and wise to support it as much as possible.

I can't help directly with your question as per manufacturer's trade-mark,but if i may suggest something it'd be this:
Broaden your perception of tools in general and axes in particular to such parameters as the Type,or Pattern,and the regional significance if any.
That may very well lead you to much specific history of tool use,trade,economics,in other words all those Whys that caused that axe to be shaped that way,have it's eye be a certain way,and what it's original purpose may've been.

To start,i'd search the net for things relating say to Prandi Andrea "Piemonte" axe,that will give you that general regional shape,i think...

Based on what you find,possibly it may lead you to any number of local industries and history,quite possibly to some historic Celtic or even Phoenician ore locations,trade routes,ancient reasons to make tools like that...

You may suggest to that fine young man that the very same thinking that caused this tool to be made and used is exactly the sort of thinking that eventually resulted in developing electronics,that the computers and video games are logical consequences of all the ore-mining and tool developement of the past few centuries......

(hey,was that not a tricky way of saying "i dunno who made that axe",or what?!...I think maybe i've had enough coffee this morning...

Your response was both insightful and helpful. I never thought about the story angle that the history of the tool would bring. I think he'd love to research that type of information. Although his goal is to become a firefighter, he's looking for a solid trade to have on the side. He's leaning towards carpentry, woodworking, restoration to go to school for. Thanks for your input.

jake pogg · Feb 27, 2020

ZamoraMCMLXXIX said:
Although his goal is to become a firefighter, he's looking for a solid trade to have on the side. He's leaning towards carpentry, woodworking, restoration to go to school for.

Excellent,admirable goals.I wish this young man the Absolute best in his journey.

Yes,the woodworking angle alone is most deep.Were you to look around at whatever structural/architectural detail that surrounds you in your area(framing,beams,roof details,et c),you'll find that it's Immediately and inextricably connected to whatever forestry practices that are local,and that will bring you to why the local axes and other tools are shaped Just as they are...
An axe is a difficult took to make,and it's shape was never coincidental,it always followed a firm Intent and purpose...
Much of this knowledge is becoming obscure nowadays,many axes of the world are mis-identified,their origins vanishing into the past without a trace...But much interesting stuff remains,and Is known,or even being re-learned...

Earnest would know more about much of that,but try to search for Carpenters Without Borders(try it in French as well)...

Yes,right on,and very best of luck!

Ernest DuBois · Feb 28, 2020

About all I could add to these commentaries, other than my encouragement to son Zamora and advise to go for it, definitely, if you will excuse the promotion of my own work, is a reference to my website - though not my own presentation - in a contribution out of Italy, me being more or less ignorant to axes and their uses in those regions in particular and along the lines of a certain north/south division. You can look here making also notice of a certain reference to a good film mentioned in the comments below the contribution.

ZamoraMCMLXXIX · Feb 28, 2020

So my son continued the work and added a leather wrap because he sanded the handle down too smooth. Still trying to find the manufacturer by those markings but no luck so far. Any feedback is appreciated with his first project. He's already bought a few more vintage axes to work with.

fish that live together

crbnSteeladdict · Feb 28, 2020

ZamoraMCMLXXIX said:
So my son continued the work and added a leather wrap because he sanded the handle down too smooth. Still trying to find the manufacturer by those markings but no luck so far. Any feedback is appreciated with his first project. He's already bought a few more vintage axes to work with.

fish that live together

Not sure if it helps. That one has mounting straps.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/hand-axe-victorian-539427915
Found those two but they probably are Swedish hatchets imported by Garant (Gransfors Bruk has similar crown in their logo)

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-axe-hatchet-henr-cf-crown-axe-1936038646

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-axe-hatchet-henr-cf-crown-1918635205

J-JR · Aug 17, 2024

I know this is an old post but maybe I can present the answer for others with the same dilema, the maker is Valsecchi, italian maker that still produces tools today under the name Angelo Bergamasco.

BladeDidi · Apr 3, 2025

Here you can also watch to the restoration of another Valsecchi axe in Italy