Question about Collins Axe

[UffDa]

I bought this axe over 20 years ago. Maybe 25. The total weight is 4 1/2 pounds and is a hair over 34" long. The only marks are COLLINS in a rectangle on the head and Collins in script on the handle. Nothing else. What do I have? Thanks.

 

[Square_peg]

You have a Mann era Collins (Mann Edge Tool made). Likely a 'Homestead' or 'Commander'. Decent steel but not top shelf. The original hafts I've seen were all excellent.

 

[Hickory n steel]

You have a Mann era Collins (Mann Edge Tool made). Likely a 'Homestead' or 'Commander'. Decent steel but not top shelf. The original hafts I've seen were all excellent.

We're the commanders also painted blue ?

 

[Square_peg]

Yes.

I think the phantom bevels make that a Commander and not a Homestead. The Commander was more expensive than the Homestead. Could be better steel.

 

[Hickory n steel]

The only Mann era homestead axes I've seen said homestead on them, and this does look exactly like that commander. I also haven't seen any homestead Michigan's with phantom bevels ,so this one has to be a commander.
The steel could be better if the commanders were more expensive, but then again that could've just been a marketing issue and not a pay for quality issue