Finds from my new favorite site! Cache of axe heads

[oxbowbarefoot]

I have gained permission to hunt an 80 acre farm that dates back to the 1700's in Western MA. As far as I can tell, I am the only person who has hunted this farm so far, and all most all of my targets have been shallow, less than 6 inches. Most of the items have been located in an area that is being turned into a vineyard, the others were found near a collapsed barn. The two axe heads in the picture were found in the same hole, as well as another axe head or tool that I still need to photograph. Of the 4 coins I have found on site so far, the 1908 Barber half is the most recent, it was found right next to the owners house, about 3 inches down. The 1848 large cent (my first) and the 1854 Bank of Upper Canada half penny token, the unidentified copper, the Indian head, the broken sterling spoon, and the crotal bell were all found in the vineyard. All of these targets I have found in about 6 hours of hunting. I have covered less than an acre of this 80 acre property. I can't wait for the owners to till another two acres in a couple weeks!

 

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[DFW_THer]

You're a dog. Congrats on the fruitful site!

 

[Valley Ranger]

Those ax heads will clean up and restore very nicely! Great saves.

 

[oxbowbarefoot]

Thank you, They are still razor sharp in spots. The other tool that was in the same hole may have been an axe head or draw knife. It had an interchangeable blade. I will post a pic later.

 

[worldtalker]

SUPER finds J!!! Need a tag along? Looks as though you hit a GOOD spot,POUND IT RELENTLESSLY!! God Bless Chris Here's a site for Silver Hallmarks. Guide to World Hallmarks - Encyclopedia of Silver Marks, Hallmarks & Makers' Marks

 

[oxbowbarefoot]

Chris, I am sure the owners would have no problems at all with me bringing a friend. Especially one who uphold out ethics as well as you. I am going to request permission to bring my class there for a day, I am confident that the owners will allow them as well. Perhaps on the day we go, I could utilize your skills as a guest instructor, if you'd be interested in that (I'd just have to check with my principal).

 

[oxbowbarefoot]

Those ax heads will clean up and restore very nicely! Great saves.

What would you suggest to restore them? Maybe a little wire brush and some apple cider vinegar?

 

[Iron Patch]

Some good stuff.

Hard to see the unknown, maybe you should try a peroxide soak to see if you can get some detail.

 

[CSA2K]

Incredible haul. Axe heads are very cool!

 

[Gunrunner61]

Killer finds, Gotta love those axe heads, good luck and keep us in the loop

 

[Bavaria Mike]

Nice hunt and finds! Looks like you have a honey hole site, good luck on future digs. HH, Mike

 

[worldtalker]

Chris, I am sure the owners would have no problems at all with me bringing a friend. Especially one who uphold ethics as well as you. I am going to request permission to bring my class there for a day, I am confident that the owners will allow them as well. Perhaps on the day we go, I could utilize your skills as a guest instructor, if you'd be interested in that (I'd just have to check with my principal).

I'll gladly show them the ropes[ as long as they don't out do me ]

 

[CASPER-2]

AWESOME HUNT - REALLY NICE FINDS!!!

 

[CASPER-2]

Need any help - Im not far away

 

[Papa Bear]

Those ax heads will clean up and restore very nicely! Great saves.

I agree with Old Stonewall. Those axes are awesome. Well done!!

 

[Digs68]

Great finds! I too really like those axe heads.
Congrats!!

 

[oxbowbarefoot]

Thank you everyone! Does anybody have some expertise in old axes who might be able to guess a date for them? I left the third with a friend who might be able to get some info on it. I will have it back in a few days and will post a pic. Its nothing like the two that are pictured. It is a blade that looks interchangeable as it is connected with square nails to the part that mounts on the handle.

 

[Valley Ranger]

Thank you everyone! Does anybody have some expertise in old axes who might be able to guess a date for them? I left the third with a friend who might be able to get some info on it. I will have it back in a few days and will post a pic. Its nothing like the two that are pictured. It is a blade that looks interchangeable as it is connected with square nails to the part that mounts on the handle.

I would not consider myself an expert, but from my limited experience and research, and looking at some of the reference books I have on early American tools, I would guess at least mid 19th century and, perhaps, even as early as 18th century.

 

[DCMatt]

What would you suggest to restore them? Maybe a little wire brush and some apple cider vinegar?

I "restored" a rusty axe head (not as old as yours) by putting it in a fire and cooking the rust off it. The fire did no damage to the good metal. I put a new handle on it and it is the sweetest swinging axe I've ever had in my hands.

Nice finds.

FYI - You silver spoon is made by J.B. & S. M. Knowles - Providence RI. 1875 - 1905

DCMatt

 

[oxbowbarefoot]

I "restored" a rusty axe head (not as old as yours) by putting it in a fire and cooking the rust off it. The fire did no damage to the good metal. I put a new handle on it and it is the sweetest swinging axe I've ever had in my hands.

Nice finds.

FYI - You silver spoon is made by J.B. & S. M. Knowles - Providence RI. 1875 - 1905

DCMatt

Thank you for the idea and the ID on the spoon. I was actually just looking up some hallmarks to try and ID it myself.