Very old Ax and Hatchet Heads at same site

[apache61]

I found both of these on my land here in South-Central Tennessee. They were both about 8 inches down, and about 100 yards apart. The first appears to be a hand-forged ax head, but the second is a bit unusual. It is slender and still very sharp...more like a weapon than a tool. The back part appears to have been pounded out and rolled over creating a groove. The only thing I can think is that perhaps it was a hatchet, and the handle sat in the groove and was lashed on somehow. I would appreciate any insight, thoughts or opinions. Thanks!

 

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[redneckinwayz]

Glad to see someone else from Tennessee here, and welcome to the forum on your first post.


Apache, those are some neat finds. Any idea of what they are made of ?.....

Surely, bed springs, toliet parts and a car door will not relate to 1800's but fairly newer. Are you sure on the date for the housesite.?

 

[ThTx]

"The back part appears to have been pounded out and rolled over creating a groove"

The handle was probably hickory or white oak that was split down the middle for a few inches. The head would have been forced into the split and then lashed on as you thought.

My Grandfather had a camping axe that was similar.

 

[mojjax]

Nice finds ! Here are some pics from an Eric Sloan book .

mojjax

 

[silverswede]

Really great old axe heads. Have to be the oldest i've seen pictured here. Mojjax's book illustrations are right on. Never realized how the hand forged were actually made. The second head may have had the side of the "eye" broken out. Single bit axe heads will do this if they are used as a splitting wedge once the handle is gone. Been there myself.

 

[Montana Jim]

apache61...

Awesome finds!!!! Great photos too... Welcome to treasurenet... keep those cool finds comming!

Mojax... I have some Eric Slone books... he's great at documenting those tools and barns

 

[apache61]

Thanks all for the kind words and comments. Appreciate the illustrations mojjax, they're very helpful....I often wondered how those old ax heads were made!

 

[TreasureTales]

apache, welcome to TNet, its' good to have you aboard. Your axe heads are awesome. Being a relic lover myself, it's good to see some old tools. You've cleaned them up nicely! WTG.

 

[eathabs]

Great stuff apache!!! Whats the story behind your avatar

 

[apache61]

I served for 20 years in the Marines, and to me the photo in the avatar speaks to both the sacrifices of our forefathers, and the sacrifices being made today by the fine young men and women serving in our armed forces. It's just my small way of saluting them.

Thanks for asking.

 

[eathabs]

Apache, your "small way of saluting them" kicks big huge butt!! Great stuff!!!

 

[nhbenz]

I agree!!! I had to squint to read what it says below the photo: Pearl Harbor survivor Houston James of Dallas embraces Marine Staff Sgt. Mark Graunke Jr. during a Veterans Day commemoration in Dallas. Graunke lost a hand, a leg and and eye when he defused a bomb in Iraq last year.