True Temper Military Axe Question

[stalbot]

Not wanting to hijack the post about the 4lb Kelly DB, thought I'd ask in this thread. Sunday I picked up a True Temper Flint Edge Kelly Works axe. It's in the It Followed Me Home thread. On the head, U.S.A. Is stamped. Thought it was announcing where it was made until I saw the other post. Further, there are remnants of OD paint on the haft. I thought it was just oversplash from being in someone's garage. So, now the question: Does anybody know when these were in use by the military? I was going to use this thing, but if it needs to be a wall-hanger I'll do that.

 

[nickzdon]

TrueTemper made a lot of military axes. I snagged 25 military axes from a fellow online, and about 8 of them were TrueTemper 4lbs. It's a little tough to date, but I figured mine were from somewhere from the 60s-80s. I say go ahead and use it, there are enough of them floating around. Operator might have a bit more insight on nailing down a date.

 

[Double Ott]

Axes were carried on all jeeps in a rack by the drivers doorway. They were also carried on all other types of military trucks. They were carried in a rack system called a pioneer tool rack. It was most often mounted on the back of a truck/transport vehicles, all 5 ton M Series Vehicles.This rack carried an axe, a pick and a shovel. The axe for this rack was spec'ed to be a 4 Lb Dayton head with a 32" curved handle. These were made by Kelly, Collins and Plumb, maybe Mann, but I'm not sure about Mann.

Axes, picks, shovels etc. were also used by the military engineers. Small hatchets were issued to infantry at times along with trenching tools...E tool = folding shovel, carried on a pack or a belt.

See: http://www.tnjmurray.com/militaryve...roduct/id/39EC622C-E252-9B3C-762838F047CEF953 for a picture of the rack.

I have several military axes, picks, hatchets and a pioneer rack in my collection. I've been meaning to take some pictures, but haven't done it yet. I'll have to get going on it.

You can also Google military pioneer rack, go to images and you'll see many of the axes etc.

Hope this helps you out, Tom

 

[stalbot]

Thanks, guys! I was going to be disappointed if I couldn't use it! It's a heavy sucker, so I'm guessing it's the 4lb head.