unmarked Estwing style hatchet

[Brent Halverson]

From a local garage sale. It says "made in USA" on the bottom of the handle, but nothing on the steel. My first guess is maybe Estwing made it for some retail chains that could slap a sticker on them to suit their brand. Whatever the history, for one-dollar it is a win. I put the True-Temper Jet Rocket aside and started using this less collectible but good quality hatchet around the property.

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

From a local garage sale. It says "made in USA" on the bottom of the handle, but nothing on the steel. My first guess is maybe Estwing made it for some retail chains that could slap a sticker on them to suit their brand. Whatever the history, for one-dollar it is a win. I put the True-Temper Jet Rocket aside and started using this less collectible but good quality hatchet around the property.

Look of the handle makes me think Vaughan

 

[thebrain]

It looks like an old Craftsman marked one my buddy used to have.

 

[Hickory n steel]

From a local garage sale. It says "made in USA" on the bottom of the handle, but nothing on the steel. My first guess is maybe Estwing made it for some retail chains that could slap a sticker on them to suit their brand. Whatever the history, for one-dollar it is a win. I put the True-Temper Jet Rocket aside and started using this less collectible but good quality hatchet around the property.

It's a Vaughan model AS1-1/4, the only difference today is some blue paint and different grip.

BTW, why would you put the true temper rocket aside just because it's "collectable " ?

Those interested in the monetary value or rarity of an axe are my least favorite, those interested in using axes and hatchets and old tools for working wood and who are interested in history are my most favorite.

 

[craigc001]

great find for a dollar. that would wire brush wheel up nice.

 

[Brent Halverson]

why would you put the true temper rocket aside just because it's "collectable " ?

Is it less collectible to you? My father used True Temper rocket tools, so to me personally I would rather keep family heirlooms nice and use something less important to me personally. I have no idea what TT rocket and Vaughan hatchets are worth monetarily on the general market or if one or the other is more collectible to hipsters, but you probably would know.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Is it less collectible to you? My father used True Temper rocket tools, so to me personally I would rather keep family heirlooms nice and use something less important to me personally. I have no idea what TT rocket and Vaughan hatchets are worth monetarily on the general market or if one or the other is more collectible to hipsters, but you probably would know.

You said " less collectible " , nothing about the TT rocket having sentimental value.
Sentimental value is a different story.

BTW I do have a basic idea of what may make an axe desirable or not , but I am not some kind of hipster collector like you seem to be suggesting.

They made tons of TT Rockets, they survive well, and most people looking for an all steel hatchet tend to just go buy an Estwing with the nice looking stacked leather handle.
With those things in mind I think it's very safe to assume the TT rocket and Vaughan are probably not very high on the list of collectability.
Certainly not the Vaughan because they're still making them.

 

[Boattale]

Is it less collectible to you? My father used True Temper rocket tools, so to me personally I would rather keep family heirlooms nice and use something less important to me personally. I have no idea what TT rocket and Vaughan hatchets are worth monetarily on the general market or if one or the other is more collectible to hipsters, but you probably would know.

Call me crazy, but if I had a beloved tool that a family member used, so would I, proudly.

 

[catspa]

I have an old (mid 70s) 16 oz Estwing smoothface trim hammer that I’ve used on the job for decades. A good friend, his favorite is a 16 oz Rocket, and when we work together we occasionally use each other’s hammers. Recently I went on a trip where I didn’t intend to work and brought no tools - wouldn’t you know it, a door casing was coming loose and I had no hammer.

Later that day, I was in a thrift store and saw in the “half off” bin the exact twin of Jeff’s Rocket hammer. I paid a dollar for it. Now it hangs in my tool shed, reminding me to ALWAYS bring some tools.

Parker

 

[Hickory n steel]

Call me crazy, but if I had a beloved tool that a family member used, so would I, proudly.

Certainly, he just never said anything about sentimental value.
I do not like fiberglass handles or steel handles, but have a cooper era plumb framer from my grandfather that means a lot to me as does the TT rocket framer that belonged to my great grandfather.