View Full Version : Please assist with identity and age of these axes.
Noel Greeff
06-22-2023, 10:41 AM
The axes featured in the photos below have recently arrived from an auction in the USA.5031835031845031855031865031875031885031895031 90
Jim Koepke
06-22-2023, 12:14 PM
The first one looks like an early maul for splitting logs.
The second looks like what is called a bill hook or a brush axe. It found use for trimming tree branches and clearing brush. It was also used as is or modified for a military weapon.
The last two look to be hewing axes due to their offset. The first of the pair looks like it may have seen a lot of use. The edge is usually longer. It looks to have been reduced over time by sharpening.
You might try Google with > axe style identification < or variations to bring up more information. Also put in words like > antique, metal detecting and others for variations.
jtk
Tom M King
06-22-2023, 5:37 PM
The only one I recognize, having seen plenty before, is the third one. https://www.tigersupplies.com/Products/Double-Edge-Blade-Bush-Hook-w-Straight-Hickory-Handle__COU212.aspx
Around here everyone calls them a "bush axe" but the offset style is probably from the 1950's and some later.
The only version I've seen in decades is the better balanced and easier to use "bank blade" that everyone around here still calls a "bush axe".
https://www.zoro.com/council-tool-ditch-bank-blade-16-in-edge-40-l-hickory-640c/i/G4773693/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=surfaces&utm_campaign=shopping%20feed&utm_content=free%20google%20shopping%20clicks&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4s-kBhDqARIsAN-ipH2WkcU2YdoJ4wQhEKlVLrcizis-C7qHHW_gSI8VXj1vf7T5_G-B0TwaAoX-EALw_wcB
The others are probably locally made by blacksmiths with the ones with offset blades for some hewing function, and the wedge for splitting.
Jim Koepke
06-23-2023, 12:42 PM
The only one I recognize, having seen plenty before, is the third one.
They could be cousins:
503263
Except for the hang hole and the blade pinned to the handle socket those look a lot a like.
jtk
Noel Greeff
06-30-2023, 6:39 AM
Thank you Jim.
That is a helpful reply.
noel
Noel Greeff
06-30-2023, 6:50 AM
Thank you Tom.
Noel
Tom M King
06-30-2023, 1:17 PM
Around here, bush axes were mainly used for cutting brush and vines on ditch banks that you couldn't get to or reach with a swing blade. That was before the time of weedeaters and clearing saws.
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