1800s Claw Hatchet Found

[Western Sky Ranch]

1800's Claw Hatchet Found

Here's some photos of the Claw Hatchet I found at a permission property recently. The property was an old school house from the early 1900's and the property had some 1800's history to it. The square nails and railroad spike makes me think the area was a workshop or blacksmith's spot. Will have to return for a more thorough search of the area.

Thank you TreasureNet for the research page from another thread on a similar item.

 

[s.tan]

Nice find. Looks to be in great condition given its age. Good luck on your return visits to the site.

 

[vpnavy]

Great find - love those hatchets! Thanks for sharing...

 

[Old Dude]

1800's Claw Hatchet Found

Nice old hatchet. I have never seen one like that.
"The Manufacturing of claw hatchets dates back to 1845. They are considered to be the earliest factory made hatchets (Sloane, Eric. "A museum of early American tools." New York: Ballantine Books, 1964.)Description:Claw hatchet with doubled flared head and a claw at the opposite end for pulling out nails. A claw hatchet was useful for repairing roofs with cedar shakes. The claw pulled out the nails; the flared bit was used to split the new shingle to fit in place; the flat head could nail the shake. Claw hatchets were the first type of factory made hatchets beginning in about 1845."

 

[blugotti1]

those are not easy to find in that good of condition! great find!!

 

[Western Sky Ranch]

Any idea on how I might go about cleaning it without damaging any potential stamping or markings under the rust layer? I'm thinking of putting a new handle on it and hanging it up in my office.

 

[jamey]

you can soak it in cider vinegar

 

[nuggy]

Hi, the best results I have seen with this type of relic have been obtained by soaking in molasses solution - there are video clips on you tube showing details on how to do this and for how long. After you are happy with the condition, get it warm and rub in boiled linseed oil for that authentic look. There are other methods but this one is effective, easy and cheap. Nuggy

 

[Western Sky Ranch]

From the ground to art on the wall. 1800's "Winsooki" Claw Hatchet. Found it in late April, let it soak in Apple Cider Vinegar for 2 weeks, bought a handle and hung it on the wall in the Man Cave.

 

[ATpro5]

Nice restoration!!

 

[DonDigger]

Great hatchet! Have you thought about distressing and staining that new handle?

 

[Western Sky Ranch]

Great hatchet! Have you thought about distressing and staining that new handle?

Not distressing, although that is a good idea. I have since oiled the hickory handle down with olive oil which brings out the character of the wood grain and I'm thinking about wrapping some leather strips around the handle.

 

[ANTIQUARIAN]

Very nice find WSR, definitely worthy of being restored!

Dave