What can you tell me about this hatchet?

[315]

So I got this from my Grandad’s house when I was cleaning it out when he went into a nursing home. I think it’s the same one he used over 40 years ago to cut the head off sturgeon before he put them in the smoker. I’m guessing the US stamp was done for either the Forest Service or Military? Military is probably more like it since he worked on a base up in Alaska in the 50’s and one near him in Montana shut down. Any clues who might have made it?

 

[jblyttle]

American Axe and Tool US Army hatchet, I think. Original handle, likely not the original color.

 

[FLINT77]

I have a very similar hatchet. In fact, I'm sure it has at least the very same handle - but the heads are a little different.


my hatchet is stamped on the opposite side as yours and in addition to the U.S. it's stamped American Fork & Hoe Co. 1945
also, mine has traces of olive green paint, whereas yours clearly is red.

here is a hypothesis:
I'm guessing that both of ours are military issue, but I'm guessing that mine is older, and your axe head was made by a different company who got the contract at a later date, but the handles are the same I think.



my hatchet is 15 3/8" total length. The head is 5 5/8" x 3 5/8" w 2 1/8" poll, and eye is 1 7/8" x 5/8"

 

[315]

American Axe and Tool US Army hatchet, I think. Original handle, likely not the original color.

I was wondering if it was painted red because it was part of a fire suppression something or other in the shop or a building. I know generally you would have a full-size axe for that but I thought maybe they had something smaller stashed in various places.

 

[jblyttle]

I have a very similar hatchet. In fact, I'm sure it has at least the very same handle - but the heads are a little different.


my hatchet is stamped on the opposite side as yours and in addition to the U.S. it's stamped American Fork & Hoe Co. 1945
also, mine has traces of olive green paint, whereas yours clearly is red.

here is a hypothesis:
I'm guessing that both of ours are military issue, but I'm guessing that mine is older, and your axe head was made by a different company who got the contract at a later date, but the handles are the same I think.



my hatchet is 15 3/8" total length. The head is 5 5/8" x 3 5/8" w 2 1/8" poll, and eye is 1 7/8" x 5/8"

That might be what I meant but I'm losing my memory LOL.

 

[315]

Thanks guys, I started to look at the head a bit closer and there is definately some writing but I can’t make anything out and I’d rather let the paint wear off with use.