Need Help On Figuring Out Age of Vintage Axe

garry3 said:
I agree with ithinkverydeeply. I believe the W28, W46 are Warren date stamps. 1946 and 1928. Might be a couple in this thread.
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/warren-axe-and-tool-company-march-manufacturer-thread.932040/
Hard to say on the large letters. Lots of company's and owners stamped in initials.
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Ok thanks. I just looked at the thread and the stampings on a double bit in the photo has a font and layout very similar and a similar stamp. So I think we just found out what the stamps are. How old these axes are. Thanks to everyone for their help. I do have one more question. From the pictures do you have an idea of what wood that handle is on the older axe. It’s not original as I bought it with the handle that was in it chopped short. I found the handle weather beaten at a flea market and I oiled it with Olive oil and sanded it to 600 grit. It doesn’t look like any aged hickory I’ve seen. Thanks again!
 
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YoungCollector27 said:
Ok thanks. I just looked at the thread and the stampings on a double bit in the photo has a font and layout very similar and a similar stamp. So I think we just found out what the stamps are. How old these axes are. Thanks to everyone for their help. I do have one more question. From the pictures do you have an idea of what wood that handle is on the older axe. It’s not original as I bought it with the handle that was in it chopped short. I found the handle weather beaten at a flea market and I oiled it with Olive oil and sanded it to 600 grit. It doesn’t look like any aged hickory I’ve seen. Thanks again!
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The handle you question is hickory too. The reason it looks odd to you is because the grain orientation is nearly horizontal.
 
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YoungCollector27 said:
What is not showing up?
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I see the image but the image doesn't give us any clue as to the make-up of the axe. Try cleaning the top of the axe from the bit back 2" with a fine file. That might show you the change in the steel. If it doesn't than a vinegar soak of the same area surely will.
 
Square_peg said:
I see the image but the image doesn't give us any clue as to the make-up of the axe. Try cleaning the top of the axe from the bit back 2" with a fine file. That might show you the change in the steel. If it doesn't than a vinegar soak of the same area surely will.
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If you look at the second picture of the larger axe. You can see a line that is vertical about 2-3 inches from the edge. I think it is a forge weld since I have done research on old fur trade axes and other early axes from around 1800-1900s. On axes with little steel left in them blacksmiths would forgeweld steel on either side of the wrought iron. Making the bit longer once again and with a hardenable making it useable. This was called “Resteeling” I think. I read that awhile ago so I may be wrong on something’s. But the line can be felt on both sides and you can see it on both. It is just easier to see in the second picture. I have already given the axe a light soak to get rid of the light rust it had on it. Thanks again
 
I too have an axe with the W28, a Kelly How Thompson co. Havent cleaned her yet, but am glad to hear about the meaning behind the W28. Also, a letter K on the bit that I assume would stand for Kelly..?
2hJ6nwg

2hJa476

2hJ6nBG

2hJ8XAs

2hJ8XFx

2hJa4jL
 
Nevermind. If it's going to have to be this hard to post photos on this forum, I can do without trying to SIMPLY learn and chat with others about knives, axes, and other blades. It shouldnt have to be this way...it would be far more enjoyable for the users of this forum, and this forum would be far more successful, if the creators would just Ante Up, and make it easier to post photos. What a headache! What a turn off! What an incredible waste of time! I regretfully am going to delete my account now.
 

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ithinkverydeeply said:
Of course! That’s my understanding anyway, unless someone corrects me.

They have a pretty interesting history, closed in 1958. (I think..)
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www.perfectduluthday.com

Kelley-How-Thomson Company of Duluth - Perfect Duluth Day

Shown above are workers from the Kelley-How-Thompson Co. at Duluth’s Winter Frolic, circa 1926-1928. The tool and hardware wholesale business was headquartered at 231-237 S. Fifth Ave. W. — which would put it roughly where I-35 intersects the avenue between the DECC and Duluth Depot today. It...
www.perfectduluthday.com www.perfectduluthday.com

Stumbled across this researching my “hickory” double bit head. Has a diamond stamp like the photos in the article and a “Kelly quality” on the opposite side. No numbers though.
 
BGSgt27 said:
www.perfectduluthday.com

Kelley-How-Thomson Company of Duluth - Perfect Duluth Day

Shown above are workers from the Kelley-How-Thompson Co. at Duluth’s Winter Frolic, circa 1926-1928. The tool and hardware wholesale business was headquartered at 231-237 S. Fifth Ave. W. — which would put it roughly where I-35 intersects the avenue between the DECC and Duluth Depot today. It...
www.perfectduluthday.com www.perfectduluthday.com

Stumbled across this researching my “hickory” double bit head. Has a diamond stamp like the photos in the article and a “Kelly quality” on the opposite side. No numbers though.
Click to expand...
Your axe wasn't made by Kelly Axe & Tool Co for Kelley Thompson. Those with W and date mark were sourced from Warren Axe & Tool Co
 
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