Odd coincendence - Emerson and Stevens

C

Crazyotter

Joined
Jun 26, 2010
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334
I rarely have time for photos, so pardon the quality, but I wanted to throw these up. A year ago, Cooperhill posted the first Oakland ME boys axe I had ever seen. I still think his KATCO is beautiful, :), but by some odd coincidence I stumbled into two this year. Within 1 mile of each other, found roughly 1 month apart, and they were made 1 year apart ('57 and '58) by Emerson and Stevens. Here's the newest, from this weekend. :D
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A little work...
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It gets neater too; I also found a full size Emerson and Stevens axe earlier this year, almost unrelated, but. One boys axe is 2 1/2lbs, the newest is 2 3/4lbs, and the full size is 3lbs. All worn, but all salvageable. They oddly enough get in worse shape as the weight goes up. Enough analyzing. I'm going to restore the first two for users, and the 3lb'er for a splitting axe this winter, time allowing. :)
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Now the real question... is 2 3/4 pounds a boys axe? I'd call it a mans axe, along with a 2 1/2 pound axe. That's a good bit of weight to swing around all day, especially compared to something around 2 pounds!
 
No shame in a man using a 'boys axe'. They're a very handy size. If a man owns only one axe it should be a boys axe.
 
I am a very new member. With a new found hobby of finding old axes. And bring them back to life. A few days ago I stopped in at a local second hand store. And found a rusted out axe head. I paid $5 and did some cleaning. I made out" HAND MADE" in the arch layout. So after seeing this post. I believe I found my maker. The E&S isn't visible anymore. But the hand made is identical to the ones in your pictures. It's a 2.05lb head(stamped 2) with a "5" stamped next to the eye. Just like the one in your post. After reading this post. Is the 2 pounder considered a toddler axe? ;)
 
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Seems to me a 'boy's axe' is typically in around 2 lb (+- 1/4). Canadian and Swedish versions are often 1000 grams (1 kg) or 2 1/4 lb.
 
I have found 3 I think since October. I'm in MA, one of you is in NH, the OP is in ME. Makes sense.

Crazzyotter (sounds like some of the Indian-style Boy Scout names that we hand out), I think that all 3 of those axe heads look really great BTW, after a cleanup they look to be in very nice shape.

I have no hung or used one (yet), but the author of The Ax Book describes that company as an example and that shape specifically as the ideal. One man's opinion, but a very educated one.
 
I just looked at the shape of the bit. And it is identical to the first 2 pictures. Higher in top and almost straight on the bottom. Giving me the feeling that Emerson & Stevens is in fact my maker. I'm very happy with my find. So I'd like to ask you guys how much clean up is acceptable in the axe community? An example would be.. The butt/poll was mushroomed. Not to bad. So I did bring that down to square the edges. I also took a fine disc sander to remove the rust. I didn't make it all polished. I like the aged look like the above pics. And that's what mine looks like now. So would it be a crime to take my future finds to a chrome finish? And what size handle should I mount a 2lb head onto?
 
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Don't take it to a chrome finish. It sounds like you cleaned them enough. My opinion is they should not be cleaned up to a level beyond the factory finish. A wire cup on an angle grinder removes the rust and preserves patina. I know a few axe and tool collectors and they all hate overcleaned tools. This is true of antiques in general. Of course it's your axe. I wish I could find an Emerson & Stevens axe around here. 24 or 26 inch handle would be good.
 
Thank you guys for all the great information and expert opinions. As I said I am new to this. And when I say new. I mean 1 month new! But its exciting finding something old and bringing it back to life. I heat with wood. So I plan on using my tools. But I wouldn't mind finding a wall hanger or two. I see tools as art. Is my new find worth much? Its in very good shape. If it is a valued axe. I could find a nice hickory handle to hang it on. And slap it on a wall.
 
They look very good. The steel seems quite good on mine, works great.
I think you just want to get rid of the rust. Some sandpaper and steel wool can remove the rust from the bit and eye. Can be a slow process but it's nice to keep the old colour as much as possible. Oil well afterwards.
 
Cre3p said:
Thank you guys for all the great information and expert opinions. As I said I am new to this. And when I say new. I mean 1 month new! But its exciting finding something old and bringing it back to life. I heat with wood. So I plan on using my tools. But I wouldn't mind finding a wall hanger or two. I see tools as art. Is my new find worth much? Its in very good shape. If it is a valued axe. I could find a nice hickory handle to hang it on. And slap it on a wall.
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It's value is in being a superior axe to any manufactured today. Emerson & Stevens used a two-piece lamination method of manufacture right up to the end in 1964. I would hang it, use it, and take care of it. If you are interested in a wall-hanger some of the old embossed axes can be interesting.
 
As mentioned, I have found a few and sold them, and now regret it. After reading The Ax Book, I want one to keep. I do have one now, but I have no use for a double bit. The next single bit that I find is MINE!
 
jblyttle said:
As mentioned, I have found a few and sold them, and now regret it. After reading The Ax Book, I want one to keep. I do have one now, but I have no use for a double bit. The next single bit that I find is MINE!
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How common are their double-bits? And do they have a catalog anywhere?
 
Chignecto Woodsman said:
How common are their double-bits? And do they have a catalog anywhere?
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No, they are long gone which is what makes finding these so special. I have no idea how common the doubles were but my feeling is not very. I have only seen or heard of one, but I'm only one person.

For anyone that says that they love axes, old tools and history- you will want to watch this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr4VTCwEfko
 
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I am quite envious of the amount of axes that you folks on the east and west coast and around the Great Lakes find on a regular basis. It is really hard to come across anything out here on the plains (might have something to do with the lack of trees?!?). Nothing I like better, tho, than to see all of the really nice axes that you come across. Please keep posting, it gives me hope!!!
 
Maine is a great place to find Axes especially. So many high quality Maine made axes for such little money, bought two E&S heads last year for under 10 for both, one at 3 1/4 and one at 3 1/2, both Pine Tree series axes. Nice large temper, takes a wicked edge, and keeps it.
 
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