I found an Axe in Germany

[Kyle McCorquodale]

About 15 years ago, I was walking in the woods with a few friends and we stumbled upon a hatchet stuck in an old rotted tree stump. We were pretty deep in the wood, I'd say we hiked about ten miles. Being an arrogant child at the time, I took it as a trophy. Polished a heavy layer of rust off and the handle was practically useless. Broke on the first swing. However the axe head itself was pretty high quality. It was definitely old when I found it and I have used it on and off over the years and it has never let me down. There is a stamp on it and I was wondering if anyone would be able to identify the maker of this axe. I found the hatchet in Germany so hopefully that helps with narrowing it down. The symbol seems to be a Centaur shooting a bow with Hares holding a Crest around it. Any input would be helpful. Thanks guys!

 

[Nigel1]

Ive never seen anything like that in the British side of things where i normally lurk, but im still looking...

 

[Dusty One]

Nice Find....

 

[Steve Tall]

That centaur stamp looks like a trademark from Wiebelhaus & Co.

According to YesteryearsTools, that centaur trademark was "in effect in the 1950s and later." The 800 stamp is probably the nominal weight in grams.

"Johann Wiebelhaus & Co. manufactured axes, hatchets and other forged tools in an area called Sauerland in the town of Meschede, Germany. Meschede is located along the Ruhr River. The company was founded by Johann Wiebelhaus and four colleagues on September 13, 1911. The originating partners were Johann Wiebelhaus, Anton Frisse, Franz Frisse, Johann Eilinghoff and Josef Schulte. During all the years it was in operation the company operated as “Joh. Wiebelhaus & Co.”
Originally run by Johann Wiebelhaus, the leadership passed to his son Franz in 1928. Franz Wiebelhaus led the company from 1928 until 1945 when he died during an aerial attack. Leadership then passed to Franz’s oldest son, who was also named Franz. He led the business until his death in 1985. Shortly after that the company was completely closed down."
quoted from YesteryearsTools

 

[Kevin Houtzager]

X

 

[Elgatodeacero]

Wow, thats a cool axe, one of the best stamps, and incredible knowledge shared.

 

[Kyle McCorquodale]

That centaur stamp looks like a trademark from Wiebelhaus & Co.

According to YesteryearsTools, that centaur trademark was "in effect in the 1950s and later." The 800 stamp is probably the nominal weight in grams.

"Johann Wiebelhaus & Co. manufactured axes, hatchets and other forged tools in an area called Sauerland in the town of Meschede, Germany. Meschede is located along the Ruhr River. The company was founded by Johann Wiebelhaus and four colleagues on September 13, 1911. The originating partners were Johann Wiebelhaus, Anton Frisse, Franz Frisse, Johann Eilinghoff and Josef Schulte. During all the years it was in operation the company operated as “Joh. Wiebelhaus & Co.”
Originally run by Johann Wiebelhaus, the leadership passed to his son Franz in 1928. Franz Wiebelhaus led the company from 1928 until 1945 when he died during an aerial attack. Leadership then passed to Franz’s oldest son, who was also named Franz. He led the business until his death in 1985. Shortly after that the company was completely closed down."
quoted from YesteryearsTools

Wow, I'm very greatful for all of the information you have provided Steve Tall. You really went above and beyond. Thank you so much. I suppose it really is an old axe then, I'm glad to own a beautiful piece of history and craftsmanship. I will continue to put it to work and retire it when the time comes. Thank's everyone else for your input! On a side note, is there anyway to tell how old this specific axe is?

 

[Kevin Houtzager]

X

 

[Steve Tall]

Here's another example of that trademark stamp, with better artwork and detail. Knowing how "progress" sometimes works, I'll guess that the less-detailed stamp is not as old as this one:

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-hatchet-hand-ax-case-unknown-416182392

 

[Kevin Houtzager]

X

 

[Bouke]

Great find in the forest!

I picked up an used and abused Wiebelhaus & Co axe from a flea market once and hung it on a sfa handle (€15 invested in total). The finishing of the head was pretty rough so I used several wedges to completely fill the top of the (previously permabonded) eye.

It has proven itself to be a very good axe. The steel has a nice ring from the temper and takes a great edge. It cuts superb due to the wide but thin bit.

So I fail to understand why you would ever retire it? ;-)

Bouke

 

[Kyle McCorquodale]

It's interesting to see how you narrow the age down so precisely Kevin!

Bouke that axe head looks like a twin compared to the one I have but in much better condition. I suppose I should maintain that edge and use it until I can't swing it anymore haha! Thank you for sharing yours!

As well as the generic weight in grams. That usually started from the 70's/80's onward. And because it does not have a DIN nummer, its an export model. DIN is a sort of patent number in itself, just like DRGM was during and before second world war in Germany.

Great find in the forest!

I picked up an used and abused Wiebelhaus & Co axe from a flee market once and hung it on a sfa handle (€15 invested in total). The finishing of the head was pretty rough so I used several wedges to completely fill the top of the (previously permabonded) eye.

It has proven itself to be a very good axe. The steel has a nice ring from the temper and takes a great edge. It cuts superb due to the wide but thin bit.

So I fail to understand why you would ever retire it? ;-)

Bouke

 

[J Wiebelhaus]

Kyle,
If you would like to sell that ax head you found let me know.

 

[Square_peg]

Are you related?

 

[Agent_H]

You might try leaving a message on his profile page.

 

[J Wiebelhaus]

Are you related?[/QUOTE
Related by name only, my family has been in the states since 1850's era, but when you see something unique like an ax with your name on it, I want it.