Norlund Axe head

Casehardn

Casehardn

Joined
Nov 14, 2011
Messages
46
Recently went to a flea market in Collinsville CT, and came home with a few used axes.
I'll post the questions separately. First axe was a Norlund.

The first axe head says Genuine Norlund, is a hudson bay pattern and appears to have been green at one time. I can see what looks to be a green color mixed with the usual grey patina. Head is loose on a 25" handle.

Weighs about 2 lbs, is roughly 7 inches from poll to edge and 4-1/4 inches from toe to heel.

My question is: Did some Norlund axes come painted green from the factory?

Any help appreciated. Thanks.
 
Hi Casehardn, I have 7 Norlunds, two with some of the original factory finish on them. I also watch for them on Ebay. It appears that Norlund used some sort of a varnish as the coating on their heads. It appears that the varnish turns to a copper color as it ages. I've never seen one with green paint...But one never knows.

Double Ott
 
Last edited:
I have one with a kind of greenish/turquoise finish under the original label, I think it's probably original.
 
Casehardn said:
Recently went to a flea market in Collinsville CT, and came home with a few used axes.

The first axe head says Genuine Norlund, is a hudson bay pattern and appears to have been green at one time. I can see what looks to be a green color mixed with the usual grey patina. Head is loose on a 25" handle.
Click to expand...

Casehardn:

Did you see the old Collins factory by the river while there or maybe some pictures of it?
I have one Norlund HB sounds like the one you mentioned. Mine has a bronzeish/copperish colored paint on some parts of it including under the original sticker.
I also have seen some on the bay with a similar color.

You can also try sanding a spot to see if it is covering any other color. Nice little axe.
 
Over the years, they came in different colored patterns. Reddish/bronze, greenish/military, regular, etc. Nice find. They are quite popular with the masses.
 
cattledog said:
Casehardn:

Did you see the old Collins factory by the river while there or maybe some pictures of it?
I have one Norlund HB sounds like the one you mentioned. Mine has a bronzeish/copperish colored paint on some parts of it including under the original sticker.
I also have seen some on the bay with a similar color.

You can also try sanding a spot to see if it is covering any other color. Nice little axe.
Click to expand...


Yes, I stopped to take a few pictures. Awesome building. Very nice river. Lots of guys fly fishing.
I'll attach a pic for you.
P1000866.jpg
 
cattledog said:
Yes indeed a very cool pic! A wallhanger for sure. thanks for posting it.
Click to expand...

My pleasure. I'm going to try and spend a little more time there the next time I'm up there. Real pretty country. I'm going to see if there is a collins museum nearby. Definitely bringing the fly rod! Here's an enlargement of the sign:
CollinsSign.jpg
 
Actually the best photos posted on this forum in a long time are these Collins factory shots!

I tried to send you an e-mail, but you don't have that option turned on. I would like to get a copy of the original size photos. can you click on my ID and send me an e-mail?
 
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