two axe heads

C

cckw

Joined
May 24, 2008
Messages
561
I am wondering about the maker on the Hudson bay style head. I have seen that on others, Just an "M". Anyone know about that maker? Also notice it is not hardened very far up the bit.

#2 this is a cool one. Any Notice it has different steel for the bit. A little thicker where they overlap. Is there anything else to know on this one?

ahd1.jpg


ahd2.jpg


ahd3.jpg
 
The "M" one is interesting. Hard to say. An individual might have put that mark on there. Or a manufacturer. I have seen this many times, with many letters, most common seem to be M, P, O, and S, from what I have seen anyway. I have heard old timers say that was an individuals mark on axes that were bought with clean heads, and then given out to crews, like railroad crews, etc. Everyone had the same looking axe, so they would mark an initial on there. Whether that holds water or not is tough to say.

Your other Kelly one there is nice. Especially the bit, dont see that too often. The fact that it says Kelly Tool Works on it somewhat dates it, atleast post AFH took over. Nice piece though.
 
The only markings on this axe are also 3 1/2 and M (on the other side). I never could find out any info. I hope you can.

picture.php


Jeff
 
In some cases, "M" was a marking for "made in Mexico." I know Stanley used "M" for that.

That Kelly is awesome!
 
Dusty One said:
Info on #2
http://www.yesteryearstools.com/Yesteryears Tools/Kelly Axe Mfg. Co. .html
Both are nice looking heads...........
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I sent him an e-mail and he replied with some good insight. here is a copy and paste of his answer.

"I have come across the "M" marking previously even with the 3 1/2 as on your axe head. Some examples include a depression above and to the left of the letter "M" which can be attributed to excess pressure or misalignment when the head was stamped. Personally I don't think it was applied in the normal course of production but possibly for a bulk special order. There are examples that have the name PLUMB properly stamped on the reverse side which would normally be considered the front face. The vast majority of markings in general were stamped, etched or had a paper label that was readable when viewed with the handle protruding from the right thus resulting in visible side being called the the front face. As this point the meaning of the letter "M" is unknown but it may indicate a distributor."
 
My Buddy Mike (theevilmike) Has a very clean double bit that is marked M. This may get his attention so he will put up a pic.

Regards

Robin
 
Pipeman said:
My Buddy Mike (theevilmike) Has a very clean double bit that is marked M. This may get his attention so he will put up a pic.

Regards

Robin
Click to expand...

We worked through that M maker in a thread newer this one. With more then one specimen we nailed it down as Collins and we presumed it indicated that it came from their Mexico facility. I've not seen it on a DB so would like to see it.
 
Due to popular demand
the M does not seem to come up very clear
i dont remember where i got the axe, i did get it brand new about 15-20 years ago, and it was a daily user for a long time
DSC01363.jpg

DSC01365.jpg


mike
 
I have a hatchet that was purchased at Canadian tire store 15 years ago with the same M and a weight of the head in an oval good steel takes an edge well and keeps it slipp
 
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