Wardmastr and Plumb axes

[Andrew Mishler]

Hi everyone,

trying to get a little info in a couple of axes I came across recently. One is a Wardmastr that really looks like a Kelly Perfect - 3 lb 6 oz, and the other is a Plumb double bit - 2 lbs 10 oz. The Wardmastr seems to have pretty good steel - a bit harder to file than the Plumb. The Plumb had some major pitting that I had to deal with, but seemed to clean up nicely - used some permatex on it and it seems to have turned out well. I’ve never heard of Wardmastr before, and I wasn’t sure if Plumb ever made a DB stamped as only 3 or if I may just be missing a ‘2’ or ‘5’ from the rust. The eye on the DB is 2 5/8 inches wide, smaller than a ‘full size’, I believe. Appreciate any information!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qYZDpF7kpNdTtJJF6

 

[A17]

The Plumb might be a "topper's axe", I think @Agent_H had referenced an odd-sized Plumb double bit and had called it that. The Wardmastr is probably Ward's Master Quality, a Montgomery Wards house brand and probably a re-branded Kelly.

 

[garry3]

I haven't seen this stamp before either.