Restoring an axe stamp (pics)

[Pindvin]

Hello
Any idea how can i restore this PLUMB stamp on an axe?
As you can see in the photos, its very weak and shallow. The letter B cannot be seen no more :/

 

[bearhunter]

I honestly don't think that there is away, but maybe someone else here has some ideas.

 

[Double Ott]

I honestly don't think that there is away, but maybe someone else here has some ideas.

What he said....

Tom

 

[Pindvin]

I know there are some ways to do it. Im just asking which one is the most suitable

 

[bearhunter]

I know there are some ways to do it. Im just asking which one is the most suitable

I don't see how it's possible to 'restore' a worn down stamp other that to re-stamp it. You can't bring back what's not there anymore

 

[Square_peg]

Forensics experts are able to reveal the serial number on a gun after it's been ground off. There's some sort of etch or acid bath that reveals it. I think the principle is that the metal under the stamp has been slightly hardened by the force of the stamp and etches differently from the surrounding metal.

But in truth I don't know exactly how it works.

 

[bearhunter]

Forensics experts are able to reveal the serial number on a gun after it's been ground off. There's some sort of etch or acid bath that reveals it. I think the principle is that the metal under the stamp has been slightly hardened by the force of the stamp and etches differently from the surrounding metal.

But in truth I don't know exactly how it works.

But that's still not 'restoring' it.

 

[willseeyalater]

When old tools have honest wear on them you can clean them up and sharpen them but what is not there is proof that whoever used it gave it a lot of work. Restamping it would look out of place if you could have factory access to the exact stamp that was used as it came off the drop forge. It is likely part of the die used in the drop forge.

 

[garry3]

If the surface was smooth a engraver could fix you right up. Look at some of the stuff on guns. But it isn't.
Of coarse it just depends on how much work you want to put into it. You could smooth it up and engrave the stamp in your self with the right tools.

 

[Pindvin]

Im thinking about milling it deeper ... but that woudn't look original.
Or maybe put a coating on the axe and scratch off the the coating where the stamp is and let some acid to eat it deeper?
I could pay someone to make me an exact copy of the plumb stamp itself but that would cost much more than the axe itself :/

 

[zcd]

You could paint every part of the axe head except the stamp, to "mask it off" if you catch my drift. You will have to be pretty detailed with your paint job. Then soak the entire head in etchant, which will chew through the exposed steel of the stamp. Strip the paint off and the parts of the blade unmasked will be etched deeper.

 

[Pindvin]

Thats probably the best idea ... but using this method i wont get back that B.

 

[zcd]

Thats probably the best idea ... but using this method i wont get back that B.

Then you'll just have a plum axe

 

[DJG097]

You could always have a vinyl etch mask made to look like the old stamp then etch. It would probably look better and etch cleaner then with paint.

 

[Pindvin]

And theres one important thing i'd like to ask ...
If i manage to restore the stamp will i still have an original plumb axe or a reconstruction of a plumb axe?

 

[halfaxe]

There are still lots of really nice axes that come up for sale that would end up costing less than the work involved in fixing this. I would just use this and save up for a pristine old axe if that's what you are after. I have a few axes that are too nice to use and some axes that are like this. I get more enjoyment I think out of the axes I use.