Strange Kelly pattern

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Apr 20, 2017
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I think this is gone from the bay, so I hope it's copacetic to ask. Does anyone know what pattern this is? It's at least a boys axe size, was being sold from North Carolina. I think it's been said "World's Finest" Kellys were export labels?

I plan on tracking one down, but I don't know what I'm tracking yet!

Screenshot_20181115-202259_eBay.jpg

Screenshot_20181115-202324_eBay.jpg
 
Reminds me of the German "Harz" pattern - but those "lugs" just "flow" in there.

919-1591487_L.jpg
 
I think this is gone from the bay, so I hope it's copacetic to ask. Does anyone know what pattern this is? It's at least a boys axe size, was being sold from North Carolina. I think it's been said "World's Finest" Kellys were export labels?

I plan on tracking one down, but I don't know what I'm tracking yet!

View attachment 1026787

View attachment 1026786
I love Rockaway pattern to death (my favorite pattern): It has this historical and visual appeal. That being said, this pattern doesn't take abuse well like Jersey or Connecticut. It doesn't matter if it was made by Kelly, Mann, Plumb, or Collins; Just watch out for cracks around lugs.
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads...away-axe-head-id.1524590/page-2#post-18119733
 
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yup, Rockaway pattern - they are very cool. Most ebay sellers mistakenly refer to the plumb jerseys as rockaway because they have rounded instead of pointed lugs, but the key (at least I think) with the rockaway is the curve to the bottom or beard of the bit. also the poll is usually shorter than on a jersey I've noticed.

here is a pic of probably my most prized axe. The OG rockaway - McKinnon. Stamped 1915 and it really great condition even the super sweet 29" octagonal handle. :)


also, a pic of my plumb jersey which is not a rockaway.
 
The reckaway is definitely a cool looking pattern.
I've often thought about having half hatchet modified into a Rockaway hatchet.
It wouldn't be too hard to cut the hammer poll off and have some mild steel welded on in it's place.
 
yup, Rockaway pattern - they are very cool. Most ebay sellers mistakenly refer to the plumb jerseys as rockaway because they have rounded instead of pointed lugs, but the key (at least I think) with the rockaway is the curve to the bottom or beard of the bit. also the poll is usually shorter than on a jersey I've noticed.

here is a pic of probably my most prized axe. The OG rockaway - McKinnon. Stamped 1915 and it really great condition even the super sweet 29" octagonal handle. :)


also, a pic of my plumb jersey which is not a rockaway.
Thats beautiful Flint. Is that poll hardened?
 
Thanks! I've never had any sort of Rockaway, and always thought of them with a real closed bit angle!

The square angle and depth of the 'beard' was not something I recognized. Now I know what I'm after!!!

I've often thought about having half hatchet modified into a Rockaway hatchet.
It wouldn't be too hard to cut the hammer poll off and have some mild steel welded on in it's place.

That's not a bad idea at all. If you can find one of the square poll ones it might be enough to just lop it off.
 
I don't think so, but I don't really want to take a file to it to find out either
Would be even easier if you had a round lugged plumb flooring hatchet.
All you'd need is to give the bit a proper amount of radius.

It won't be identical , but it would look pretty cool.
I may have to think about doing something like this some day if i can find the perfect candidate.
 
Lol, well that's fine because I love it already. And I certainly don't mind supporting a forum member!
 
Me too! This was a "buy it now" purchase, but under a bill for something as precious as this seems like a good splurge.
 
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I can understand, they look quite like the Rockaway drawing on the ubiquitous pattern chart lol. I saw quite a few of them being called Jerseys as well.
 
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