Hi. Long time lurker, first time poster. I bought this 4 lbs. double bit axe from an old-timer for a few dollars via local (Pittsburgh) Craigslist last week, and am unsure as to what pattern it is.
I have a couple of double bit axes that I actually use that are both "Michigan" pattern, but this head doesn't really look like them. It's about 9.5" l-r at the widest point. The bits are both approx 4.5" from top-to-bottom measured in straight line.
Would someone ID the pattern for me, please?
As an aside, the legible marks on it are "4" on one side (which I presume is the weight), and on the side pictured, "87" in a diamond, above which there are two illegible words (Word #1 begins "RA" [EDIT: Possibly begins "RO"] and word #2 begins "MILL"). Do these details suggest origin/maker to any of y'all?
I've rehabbed a couple of vintage 3lb splitting mauls that I found in the woodlands that abuts my property, and wanted to try an axe. And this was inexpensive and available last week when I got the itch. I got a new handle w/ good, straight grain for $5 from Lowe's and thought I might give the axe to my brother once I'm done if I succeed in not shattering it or, idk, over-filing it or whatever. But yeah, I'd like to be able to tell him what the handle pattern is (and yes I've looked at page 2 of "An Ax to Grind - A Practical Ax Manual" but again, my inexperience w/ double bit axe heads prevents me from confidently assessing the pattern). Any assistance would be greatly appreciated, and I thank you for your time.
I have a couple of double bit axes that I actually use that are both "Michigan" pattern, but this head doesn't really look like them. It's about 9.5" l-r at the widest point. The bits are both approx 4.5" from top-to-bottom measured in straight line.
Would someone ID the pattern for me, please?
As an aside, the legible marks on it are "4" on one side (which I presume is the weight), and on the side pictured, "87" in a diamond, above which there are two illegible words (Word #1 begins "RA" [EDIT: Possibly begins "RO"] and word #2 begins "MILL"). Do these details suggest origin/maker to any of y'all?
I've rehabbed a couple of vintage 3lb splitting mauls that I found in the woodlands that abuts my property, and wanted to try an axe. And this was inexpensive and available last week when I got the itch. I got a new handle w/ good, straight grain for $5 from Lowe's and thought I might give the axe to my brother once I'm done if I succeed in not shattering it or, idk, over-filing it or whatever. But yeah, I'd like to be able to tell him what the handle pattern is (and yes I've looked at page 2 of "An Ax to Grind - A Practical Ax Manual" but again, my inexperience w/ double bit axe heads prevents me from confidently assessing the pattern). Any assistance would be greatly appreciated, and I thank you for your time.
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