Hi all, am I an axe head collector? Probably not, but like most males I suspect I have had a fascination with blades of all descriptions, particularly axes since a small boy. Over the last thirty years I have picked up old axe heads whenever I have come across them. These are mostly handmade (local blacksmith/farmer) and adher to no particular pattern often of wrought iron with a higher carbon blade section fire weldedin Place for the cutting edge. I mention all this by way of introduction. A couple of months ago came across two felling axes in a carboot/Garage sale. They looked unused and I presumed them yo be NOS. I am sure they are. They were £20/$30 each so I bought them both. On further inspection they had various Plumb identifiers(more later). Both 4lbs heads with beautifully sculpted handles (RED STAINED) without detailed comparison they appeared almost identical and having read a couple of threads and satisfied they were of interest put them away. Today I came across your thread on plumb heads, which prompted me to have a closer look. They are both 4lb as I said both with red stained handles and have had matt paint or oil roughly applied to the head both have a simple wooden? Wedge and the handle is finished flush witn the head and both heads have the paint/oil also covering the eye. They do on inspection differ in subtle ways. No 1 has on the head a foil sticker saying plumb and below it some thing I can't read, it has a plumb stamp in a square box with 4lb just above it. No other markings I can see. Beneath the applied coat is, if no polished, a silver chromed surface.( there are signs that there had also been a foil label on red stained the handle)
No2 has no foil sticker and no sign one had been removed a larger plumb stamp in sq box with usabelow and 4lbs below that. There are no markings on the handle, but a sign of what could have been glue residue.
That's it really, I picked up some useful info from last thread but it appears conclusive identification is a minefield. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I apologise if my terminology has been in places inaccurate, in my experience of forums someone will be quick to correct any errors, thanks in advance Alistair
No2 has no foil sticker and no sign one had been removed a larger plumb stamp in sq box with usabelow and 4lbs below that. There are no markings on the handle, but a sign of what could have been glue residue.
That's it really, I picked up some useful info from last thread but it appears conclusive identification is a minefield. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. I apologise if my terminology has been in places inaccurate, in my experience of forums someone will be quick to correct any errors, thanks in advance Alistair
