What kind of axe is this???

W

WillieD

Joined
Jan 22, 2004
Messages
266
A co worker gave me a hatchet along with this axe. He bought the hatchet at Sears long ago, so I assume its a Craftsman or something like that, but the axe was left to him after his father in law passed and was bought at an auction. For $8.25 according to the marker on the handle. Looks like the bit is bare while the rest of the head is painted black. Red painted/stained handle. If's its of quality, I'll clean it up better and if not, I'll just rehandle it and use as is. Got it shaving sharp already. Thanks

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The style is called "Jersey Pattern" a popular look. nice thin blade, so a great cutter. The rust pattern seems to indicate that the cutting edge is heat treated. So the verdict is: definitely worth a full service make-over.
 
That there would be a rockaway pattern actually. Jersey pattern is the same, except for where it comes down on the handle would be pointed on a jersey, and rounded on a rockaway. Similar, but a little different.
 
You should definitely clean up that axe head! Looks like a good one.
 
Operator1975 said:
That there would be a rockaway pattern actually. Jersey pattern is the same, except for where it comes down on the handle would be pointed on a jersey, and rounded on a rockaway. Similar, but a little different.
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I am starting to feel like the kids that went to school with Einstein. They felt pretty smart until he showed up.
 
How long, short, is the handle? It looks almost identical to the Plumb hand axe that I bought not long ago. Looks like the remnant of a silver sticker on the head as well. I fixed mine up with a thined 26inch handle with a very slight curve, and I love it!
Take your time with the handle refit and your axe will turn out a real user and keeper!:thumbup:
 
You have a great axe there. It is rare to find one in such good condition. Some of the Craftsman line was made by Vaughan & Bushnell. I'm not sure about this one. Operator 1975 is right, this is a Rockaway pattern. The pattern also came from NJ and was made popular by the William McKinnon Axe Factory in the mid 1800s, although this is clearly a much later model. Again, great find!

http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com/
 
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