Seeking advice

[Curt Hal]

I picked up a True Temper Black Prince. Before I do anything with it, I want to get all your sage advice.

Would you leave as much of the original black on it and deal with the rust spots, or would you wire cup the who thing?

As collectors, would you rather get the axe head and finish it yourself, or would you prefer to get it refurbished?

If I refurbish it, I'm thinking 32" straight handle. Would that be your choice?

 

[nzedge]

half the fun is restoring it/fixing it up however much you want it.
so if you plan to sell it, IMO leave as is. if you plant to keep it, do what you want with it

 

[Hickory n steel]

People definitely want to do the functional resto themselves, plus loose heads ship easier.

If you want to keep and use it , I personally would wire wheel the paint and rust off as its not all there anyway.
My handle preference would be a fawns foot , especially since I've never seen a straight hafted Michigan. The only issue is that I've been spoiled by pictures of the work COTS does and every current production fawns foot handle looks like crap comparatively.

 

[Square_peg]

A collector would want it as is.

 

[300Six]

A collector would want it as is.

Same advice from me, even though that head was somewhat desecrated shortly after purchase via personal stamps. If someone else (ie purchaser) wants to clean it up and use it let it be their decision.

Aside from the aftermarket stamps the head looks to be unused. Luckily RFZ saw fit to stamp in the date while he was at it, which shouldn't detract from the resale, given it happened 50+ years ago.