Old Stanley Bit Question

[Remzy]

Hi guys, im currently restoring this old Stanley bit ive got a few months ago, the bit has a nice patina and is stamped with the stanley logo along with "TF" on top of it and a "M" on its left, presumably meaning Mann's or Mexico, based on the quick research ive made, noone is 100% sure what the M means.

The bit was ground super dull and looks like it was never used in its life, it also is quite long, lending it an odd look...

My question is this, the stamp looks to be on the right side of the bit (when holding it right handed) and so this makes me wonder if i didnt invert the bit, I dont think i did but im asking before wedging it. you guys thinks Ive got it the right way? the shape says yes but the stamp says no. cant really see any narrowed part on the inside of the eye to help me.

Thanks for your input! Gonna wait till i hear what you guys think.
Remy

 

[Steve Tall]

I agree the shape says "yes". You could measure the width of the eye at each end, and the top side is usually a little wider.

 

[Steve Tall]

According to YesteryearsTools, the M means that Stanley axe was made in Mexico.

Representations of markings used on some long-handled Stanley axe heads. There were two similar marks with the difference being in the style of the letter "M". It has been determined that the meaning of the letters M and M is either MADE in MEXICO or MEXICAN MADE.

http://www.yesteryearstools.com/Yesteryears%20Tools/Stanley%20Axes.html

 

[BG_Farmer]

The shape only says maybe to me ! It appears almost symmetrical, but that could be from the toe wearing faster and being cut back even with the heel. Or not... I agree the only solid clue would be the eye taper.

PS, could TF = Task Force?

 

[Remzy]

the text above state otherwise Steve, UNEXPLAINED STAMPINGS and FOREIGN LABELS paragraph explain that they are not sure weither its Mann Made or Mexican Made.

 

[40oz]

You should be able to tell which end of the eye is larger just by putting it on the haft and looking at the top of the eye.

 

[300Six]

Kinda nice having what appears to be a reversible head. When the usual toe wear becomes obvious you merely flip the head! Stamps are generally on the left side but then again there are plenty of exceptions out there.

 

[Remzy]

It really goes the way ive inserted it on the pictures, ive checked the eye with a caliper and the top is wider than the bottom, also, the subtle difference isnt obvious in the picture but its plain to see in person, altho i admit it is almost reversible, except for the eye.

ive just finished wedging it, still looking into the M Stanley M stamp thing, the whole Mexico thing, something does not add up... ive seen M Stanley M Jobmaster axes out there that still had their paper labels and they said "made in USA" on it, either the whole mexico thing is wrong or stanley lied on their label.