Please assist with the identification and age of these axes.

Joined
May 17, 2023
Messages
17
These axes have arrived from the USA and we have been unable to identify them.
Please see pictures attaced.
Normandie
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IMG_6585by YOU!

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IMG_6584by YOU!

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IMG_6580by YOU!

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IMG_6578by YOU!

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IMG_6588by YOU!

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IMG_6587by YOU!

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IMG_6584by YOU!

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IMG_6580by YOU!

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IMG_6578by YOU!

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IMG_6585by YOU!

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IMG_6584by YOU!

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The first 2 appear to be made by a local blacksmith. The eye shape, made to accept a handle of local wood supports this idea. The 'grain' in the first one suggests that the body and wrap (poll) are made of wrought iron, maybe the common wagon wheel iron which was often used by blacksmiths. It would have had a forge welded bit of higher quality steel to hold an edge.

The broad bladed axe is also locally made, maybe from plate steel or a scrapped plow disc.

The splitting maul looks to be of European design and manufacture. The hooked bit and D-shaped eye support this idea.
 
The first 2 appear to be made by a local blacksmith. The eye shape, made to accept a handle of local wood supports this idea. The 'grain' in the first one suggests that the body and wrap (poll) are made of wrought iron, maybe the common wagon wheel iron which was often used by blacksmiths. It would have had a forge welded bit of higher quality steel to hold an edge.

The broad bladed axe is also locally made, maybe from plate steel or a scrapped plow disc.

The splitting maul looks to be of European design and manufacture. The hooked bit and D-shaped eye support this idea.
That is very imteresting, thank you.
Normandie
 
My opinion is that, coming from a use standpoint, only the splitting maul is for working wood. I believe the other two, which do look of French origin, are agricultural tools, possibly sod axes. The splitting maul is known as a Holzaxt ( "Ancient Carpenters Tools" by Henry C. Mercer) and most certainly of Pennsylvania German origin.
It would help if you can find out where they came from in the USA.
 
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