Vintage Gransfors Bruks Hatchet Refurbished

[cosmolito]

Hi there,

I just refurbished a nice little find at a small antique store in Coombs, British Columbia, Canada.

here are some pics:

GBA logo

Wondering if you could tell me a little about it ...

Here's what I know:
It measures 16" in total length
4 7/8" long axe head
3" from toe to heel
2" poll from top to bottom
3/4" wide poll

It says 1 1/4.... is this the weight in kg? (***SEE 2ND PIC)

Wondering...
dates (when was it made)
usage (what's it's primary function)
any history
what kind of wood is the handle
what kind of steel used
and anything else you might know about this little beauty

Those are a few of the first questions that jump to mind.

Thanks for your time!

Cosmo

 

[Chignecto Woodsman]

Others would know better than me, but I'll say what I can. The 1-1/4 should be pounds. That would make sense for something that size.

Generally this would be a hunter's hatchet or camping hatchet. Perhaps someone would use it for clearing limbs and brush for trails. You could contact Gransfors to ask them what year it might be from, they can likely give you a range of the era.

I would say it is not hickory, maybe some type of ash. But I'm not experienced in identifying dry wood. It's a very nice hatchet.

Some company history:
http://www.gransforsbruk.com/en/home/the-history-of-the-company/

 

[300Six]

During the 50s and 60s it was common to see Swedish axes because they were been priced lower than domestics. If I recall Hults Bruk was the main supplier of these. You can readily confirm the 1 1/4 stamp by using a kitchen scale. Likely this is pounds. European stuff would have been stamped with Metric weight of the head whereas export goods were usually stamped with both Metric and Imperial.

 

[Ariser]

I just purchased a similar GBA head today, also 1 1/4 lb head. I will be looking to mount it on a handle, is yours an original handle for this head? I would like information on a shaft to use. I cannot find any information on a 1 1/4 hatchet Gransfors Bruks on the internet. I will post pictures later.

 

[garry3]

During the 50s and 60s it was common to see Swedish axes because they were been priced lower than domestics. If I recall Hults Bruk was the main supplier of these. You can readily confirm the 1 1/4 stamp by using a kitchen scale. Likely this is pounds. European stuff would have been stamped with Metric weight of the head whereas export goods were usually stamped with both Metric and Imperial.

The GB's also had a premium line with each head Rockwell tested. They would have had a divot from the tester. They where not cheap as I recall.
I think they where sold under the Stro-bro brand.

Didn't a knife manufacturer use the same marketing gimmick, back in the day? Maybe Puma?

 

[Skiv]

I just purchased a similar GBA head today, also 1 1/4 lb head. I will be looking to mount it on a handle, is yours an original handle for this head? I would like information on a shaft to use. I cannot find any information on a 1 1/4 hatchet Gransfors Bruks on the internet. I will post pictures later.

I have one of those, too. Still had some traces of blue paint on it when I bought in a junk shop for $2.00.

Any hatchet handle ought to fit. I had a cruiser handle piece lying around so I reworked it to fit the GB head and it's a nice little hatchet to have around. I use it every few days when the cookstove woodbox needs to be refilled and I don't have much small wood for it.

Nice little hatchets, probably date from late-60's to mid-70's. GBA doesn't make them like that any more!