This axe, including handle, weighs 2.335 kg (+/- 10g). I believe the head would be in the order of 4 lbs. The handle is a little more compact than normal. Although it looks like gum at first glance, it is in fact an old hickory handle with strong patina. Back in the day hickory handles were considered the premium option in Australia despite it being an exotic timber. Although its clearly an old handle, I don't feel that it is the first handle that has been on this axe head.

The axe head is finely made, appears to be fine grained steel, and bears a deep 'D' or semi circle like mark in one cheek. Elsewhere, there is a very faint remnant of what may have been a small rectangle with some lettering inside. The rectangle almost looks engraved rather than stamped. You can look at the photos and make of it what you will. The head is in good shape with no cracks.

I'm of the view this is a somewhat early axe head in the Tasmania pattern that never had a conventional makers mark stamped into it. It may have been made by Plumb USA while the Tasmania pattern was still in the process of being established commercially, but that is a guess, it could be an early domestically produced model. At any rate, the quality is clearly very high and it really looks the part on this old handle. Perhaps the D shape imprint is some clue that will mean something to someone.

To be shipped tracked.

To any New Zealand bidders, I will be able to discount postage from that quoted in this listing.

See my other tool listings.