Vintage axe ID

[John Goatley]

I was recently at a peddlers mall and noticed an odd axe. I am no axe expert, but I haven’t seen anything like this. I did some research and it seems to have a pick like an ice axe, but the blade is longer than any that I’ve seen. Can any of you professionals give me some help identifying this? I don’t usually refurbish blades but I like doing this type of projects. Thanks in advance.

 

[Meek1]

I was recently at a peddlers mall and noticed an odd axe. I am no axe expert, but I haven’t seen anything like this. I did some research and it seems to have a pick like an ice axe, but the blade is longer than any that I’ve seen. Can any of you professionals give me some help identifying this? I don’t usually refurbish blades but I like doing this type of projects. Thanks in advance.

https://bladeforums.com/threads/how-to-post-your-axe-pictures.1709077/

 

[John Goatley]

thanks!

 

[Meek1]

Holy cow, that thing is massive!

 

[Meek1]

thanks!

Need help reading mark
There was another one of these not long ago. Maybe not the same makers mark. But roughly the same dimensions. Still some good info to read up on. May lead you where you need to go.

 

[John Goatley]

I don’t think I said this, but the maker is Gifford Wood Co. I tried looking at some old pics of their products, but came up short. Does anyone know how much it might be worth?

 

[Meek1]

That

I don’t think I said this, but the maker is Gifford Wood Co. I tried looking at some old pics of their products, but came up short. Does anyone know how much it might be worth?

That Post before this had a link. Click on the "need help reading mark" it was the same maker.

 

[the-accumulator]

https://bladeforums.com/threads/need-help-reading-mark.1709699/#post-19543789
I'm the proud owner of the axe in the link above. I learned a lot from those who responded to my questions, and you can too if you click on the link. I'm amazed, knowing how little there is on the internet about this model of ice axe, that we should both stumble upon the same relatively rare example in a matter of less than three weeks time. That's a great find, and I hope you were able to buy it at a reasonable price. T-A

 

[John Goatley]

It is amazing! I’m planning on going back tomorrow to pick it up. I don’t think 75 is too bad of a price. It’ll be a project to get it cleaned up which I like anyway.

 

[the-accumulator]

It is amazing! I’m planning on going back tomorrow to pick it up.

Did you go back and buy it? T-A

 

[John Goatley]

Did you go back and buy it? T-A

I did! Next order of business is to clean up the edge. It’s pretty well rust free. I already have a piece of straight grain oak set aside with a sketch of a handle on it. This will be my first axe restore, so I’m pretty excited!

 

[the-accumulator]

I did! Next order of business

Nice find. I'm anxious to see the finished product. T-A

 

[John Goatley]

I had to ex the oak handle idea. It had some splits under the surface, but I think the store bought handle cleaned up well. The edge also cleaned up well. No more chips and it’s sharp. Now to find some ice to chop! Or see what it’ll do to some wood....

 

[the-accumulator]

Now to find some ice to chop!

Nice work! What are the chances of finding a chunk of ice big enough to give that axe a good workout? I hope you will let us know, and include photos. T-A

 

[John Goatley]

not much chance. Here in Ky it’s cold but not cold enough for ice to be that thick.