Well you nailed it! That label was the correct company though the position of the "&" on it and the absence of an "&" on my hatchet made it fairly impossible to reach a conclusion without solid evidence. Which thankfully I just found! My little hatchet is a Bigelow and Dowse! Aroostook brand and just has the rooster there hanging out.
Here's the front stamp from the hatchet again;
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I had a hunch if I bought Thomas Lamond's book on southern New England I'd find the answer. The label you found is there to the left...
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That full page;
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This hatchet has an inlaid bit and a welded on carbon steel poll as well. I don't know when in the 1900's everyone transitioned to either overlaid bits or solid tool steel. I always felt that inlaid bits dated things to 1800's- very early 1900's. But I don't know that! Anybody have any thoughts on when inlaid bits were phased out? Thanks again for your help! Mystery solved!
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