Anyone here able to date Plumb Axe?

[BillinNM]

Hi Gents,

A good friend recently enthralled me with just a portion of his axe collection (I think he had 20 with him this past week when we had lunch). We got to chatting, and he went into good detail about uses for each. His cruiser seemed like a perfect fit for my needs (along with a Boys Axe he gave me, and the splitting maul I've had for years). I recently spotted the following Plumb on eBay and decided to jump on it. I was hoping someone here, who many are certain to be vastly more knowledgeable in regard to this subject than myself, would be able to help date the axe? It's a 2 1/2lbs head measuring 8 1/4" by 4 1/4". The handle measures 26 1/2" long.






Any help, info, or opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks and kind regards, Bill

 

[halfaxe]

It has the permabond epoxy so it would be post 1958. See a nearby plumb axe thread for the patent drawing. Cruiser axes are a handy size.

 

[Operator1975]

Dating Plumbs are hard especially with the basic plumb logo only being used. There are slight changes in the logo over time but it is still hard to date.

Yes the top does have the permabond so it would be post 1958, so we know that. Next I would look at the handle. As time went on, say post 1970 for sure, not only did the quality of axe heads diminish, but so did axe handles as well. Usually thicker, worse grain, and axe heads not seated correctly on the shoulder. This I believe all due to the need for the axe decreasing(hello chainsaw), and automation over human. I would also file check the bit, usually the better the metal the older the axe.

Those are a couple things I look at. I think pegs is the one that got me into having a file with me when I look at axes now. That goes over real well in antique shops. U can also knock on the axe head but that usually only works on broad axes or very large axes.