Axe head

[elijahhenry10]

I actually found this in the spring, but I just now retrieved because I became curious about it. My questions are what is an approximate age ( if possible) and what type? I found this on a home site that was abandoned late 18th century, but people have lived / worked in the general area ever since. Thanks in advance!

 

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[kuger]

Thats called a double Bit,and I was always under the assumption that they were not "invented",until the later 1800's,but somebody said they were earlier....I dig lots of mid 1800's axe heads a year and have never dug one in a period site

 

[cti4sw]

Soak it in apple cider vinegar for a few weeks, get some of that rust off

 

[elijahhenry10]

Any possible value over scrap? I know some axe heads carry more value than others, especially the ones that aren't rusted as bad as this.

Thanks for the speedy response.

 

[cti4sw]

Any possible value over scrap? I know some axe heads carry more value than others, especially the ones that aren't rusted as bad as this.

Thanks for the speedy response.

Might be to your local history society. Soak it in that ACV until the rust falls off, then look for a makers mark. That'd be your starting point.

 

[elijahhenry10]

Might be to your local history society. Soak it in that ACV until the rust falls off, then look for a makers mark. That'd be your starting point.

Sounds good, thanks!

 

[Mekong Mike]

1800's. clean it up and put a new hickory handle and sell on e-bay as antique.

 

[elijahhenry10]

Is there any special way to give it the vinegar treatment, or do you just put it in a container and let it sit?

 

[Dak]

Nice axe

 

[Valley Ranger]

Scrapping it would be a sin. I'd restore it. See video below. However, instead of the wax I mention, use oil or WD40 to keep the rust from returning. Both work better.

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/today-s-finds/283635-ax-head-restoration-video.html

 

[pa plateau hiker]

I hate to burst your bubble, but double bit axe heads here in Pa are not rare at all. Imagine farmers, home steaders, lumbermen that used them and misplaced them over the years. They are a very common find. Now if you could find yourself a broad axe, it would be more valuable.

 

[kuger]

I hate to burst your bubble, but double bit axe heads here in Pa are not rare at all. Imagine farmers, home steaders, lumbermen that used them and misplaced them over the years. They are a very common find. Now if you could find yourself a broad axe, it would be more valuable.

Pretty sure he never stated it was rare,he actually considered scrapping it(that would be a shame!!)

 

[elijahhenry10]

I really didn't figure it was rare, I was just wanting to get an approximate age. I'll probably do as mentioned above and make a handle for it and keep it myself.

 

[cti4sw]

Is there any special way to give it the vinegar treatment, or do you just put it in a container and let it sit?

Nope. Drop it in a small bucket, pour in the ACV so that the axe is submerged, leave it for a few weeks. Take it out, the rust should start flaking right off.

Lacquer, oil, vaseline, wax.... The anti-rust agent you use is your choice. Put a nice wooden handle on it and sharpen it right up.

 

[elijahhenry10]

I'll give it a try. I'll get back to you in a few months when I actually get around to cleaning it.

 

[Valley Ranger]

Is there any special way to give it the vinegar treatment, or do you just put it in a container and let it sit?

Wire brush it real good first. Then put it in the ACV - let it soak for 2 - 3 days to a week, remove and brush again. Repeat process until you've removed all the ACV is going to get. Then you can use a Dremel to get the small places that remain.