True American and the Railroad

[FFsted]

I'm not really sure what to do here, it's my first time... so I'll try to be gentle, and explain the best I can?

New to the "vintage" axe, but history is extremely important to me. Been around edge tools in the fire service a lot and I have been recently searching for a personal axe I can carry on duty. I stumbled upon this Mann Edge Tool Co. "True American" or "Boys Axe", not really sure what the difference is?

BUT the handle that it's hung with has "U.P.R.R." embossed on it. I have found NO information on age, or whether this was actually issued to UPRR employees. There is also a "3" embossed on the top near the eye and a "3" carved on the knob. Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

https://scontent-dft4-2.xx.fbcdn.ne...=458286cb506c9e5159baa3bae4ee2c87&oe=59017E81

 

[Steve Tall]

"True American" is one of Mann's brands, and a "Boy's Axe" is the size (head weight typically around 2-1/4 pound, handle length typically around 28").

A bunch of different tools marked with U.P.R.R. can be found online. Some examples:

My guess is that it is indeed from Union Pacific, and that the number 3 markings were an identifier, perhaps for a work crew, that could be easily spotted no matter which way the axe was stored (hanging in a rack, or head down on the floor).

 

[FFsted]

I literally felt like I've seen every picture I can, except for those two. I was thinking it was a work crew, or personal axe, because of the identifiers. But, it is not a "Boys Axe". It's embossed with a "4-" which from what I've read is a 4 1/2 lb head. Any idea on the timeline these might have been used? I'm still researching the brand and learning about it, so thanks for your reply!

 

[300Six]

Pretty sure True American is a trademark. Boy's axe is a description not of a specific maker or pattern but rather any axe with a general head weight of 2 1/4 lb (+/-). In the commercial axe business most makers offered varying grades of quality for the same tool and someone else is going to have to fill you in where Mann True American models fit in with regard to top of the line or budget grade.

 

[Lieblad]

A factory embossed "3" usually means three pounds. Thats common on axes of all manufacturers. "4" = four pound, etc.
Often quarter pounds were embossed adjacent to the first numeral.
For example, "3" and adjacent smaller font "3" would indicate 3&3/4 pounds.
These indicate nominal weight. Give or take a couple ounces & of course as its sharpened, lose weight.

"Boys Axe" refers to its size. Typically, 24-28" haft, 2.25-ish pound.
Your example sounds like its on the high end of whats considered "boys axe".

"UPRR" is a safe bet its railway property. "3" on its haft could mean anything.

 

[FFsted]

It has both a "3" and a "4-" marking. "3" is on the top, between the eye and start of the flat head. "4-" is just under the lip, before the shaft of the blade. That's why I'm thinking "3 is an identifier.

As far as make and model, it just says "Mann Edge Tool Co. Lewiston PA". Nothing else that I can see. Looks like the previous owner took a grinder to it, then let it sit and rust. I've taken a lot of grime off with some elbow grease, 220 and some vinegar. Something else may have been printed on the head, but it's hard to tell.