Van Camp Axes? Info Request

[Honed_Edge]

I have read most of what Google will show me. This particular brand has a harder to follow history than say Keen Kutter or Kelly axes. It was found in my grandpa's basement 100% rusted with a rotted out handle. He says it was his dads or older. I doubt it's older. I'm 36 and if it's great grandpa age, then that's awesome!

I'm posting here in hopes of someone having something else to add to the conversation. If you know much, please share. These are hard to find on the bay and I've never seen one at any antique place. Here are my attempts at making things right.


The axe holds #1 status in the collection, it's the only one on a shelf.

All the commoner axes must hang!

I am fond of how the hardened portion took on a different look from the body.

Says TRADEMARK in the middle
Should say INDIANAPOLIS USA on the bottom... too far gone.
I'm 10000% excited the logo came out that good, it was pure rust.

Fit came out really nice for being a bit bent and dinged up. Most damage was hammered back in place.

Nice n' Tight

I got lucky, the wedge didn't put up any fight.

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

I have read most of what Google will show me. This particular brand has a harder to follow history than say Keen Kutter or Kelly axes. It was found in my grandpa's basement 100% rusted with a rotted out handle. He says it was his dads or older. I doubt it's older. I'm 36 and if it's great grandpa age, then that's awesome!

I'm posting here in hopes of someone having something else to add to the conversation. If you know much, please share. These are hard to find on the bay and I've never seen one at any antique place. Here are my attempts at making things right.


The axe holds #1 status in the collection, it's the only one on a shelf.

All the commoner axes must hang!

I am fond of how the hardened portion took on a different look from the body.

Says TRADEMARK in the middle
Should say INDIANAPOLIS USA on the bottom... too far gone.
I'm 10000% excited the logo came out that good, it was pure rust.

Fit came out really nice for being a bit bent and dinged up. Most damage was hammered back in place.

Nice n' Tight

I got lucky, the wedge didn't put up any fight.

https://bladeforums.com/threads/what-did-you-sharpen-today.1318350/page-26#post-19254898

 

[Webscrounger]

There's a some info about Van Camp Hardware & Iron Co. in general. But ax history itself? There's one item at wrenchwiki / van-camp-hardware-indianapolis-indiana

Includes Axes and pork & beans!

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

There's a some info about Van Camp Hardware & Iron Co. in general. But ax history itself? There's one item at wrenchwiki / van-camp-hardware-indianapolis-indiana

Includes Axes and pork & beans!

Looking at Van Camp hatchets I am sure that at one point some of the hatchets came from Kelly factory.
Some full size axes look like Kelly, some like METco and for few with chubby cheeks my first guess would be Sager or early Plumb. Nothing definitive.

 

[the-accumulator]

I'm posting here in hopes of someone having something else to add to the conversation.

Here's what mine looks like:






It didn't start out as pretty as yours, with the small, shallow-stamped logo, but it's not been used much. The haft is in good shape, but it's kinda chunky, and the grain orientation is less than ideal. There's enough pitting that it will never be pretty, but it's the only Van Camp I got. Hope this helps your research. I'd love to know what you learn. T-A

 

[the-accumulator]

The axe holds #1 status in the collection, it's the only one on a shelf.

Please tell us about the broad axe in your display. T-A

 

[Honed_Edge]

Please tell us about the broad axe in your display. T-A

Powell Tool Co - The Peerless Axe
It has a nice amount of hardened steel left at the bit and I was really excited to see the hardened steel poll as well.

We are having guests over soon, I'll try for some pictures tonight.
Not sure, but I think it's the original curved handle.

 

[the-accumulator]

Remember your social distancing with your guests! Stay safe... T-A