Marbles Hatchet?

B

Bushbow

Joined
Jul 6, 2003
Messages
29
I just picked up an old Marbles hatchet that is pretty old.

It says, MARBLES
Gladstone Mich, USA
NO. 2

It is an integral handle and head with white/pearl handle slabs held on with two copper rivets and there is a machined groove about a 1/4" wide and 1/2" deep on the inside of the handle that looks to be fitted with dark hard wood. Possilbly Walnut or even cocobolo? It also has two notches on either side of the handle where it meats the head of the axe.

I will try to provide photos as soon as I can. My question is?

when was it made?

Is it rare?

Is there any value other than nostalgia?

Who knows Marbles history?

It is in pretty good shape but has been used throughout the years so it is far from pristine and does not have a sheath.

Bob Urban
East Lansing, MI
 
I dont know too much about Marbles and undoubtedly there will be some knowledgable folks along soon, but I do know this much.

Marbles original stuff was top notch and well worth keeping, the new stuff is made in China and is a pile of crap.
 
Oh this is an oldie but not sure how old. Here is some additional imformation:
I will work on the photos but here is the exact hatchet on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Marbles-2-Axe-G...607180992QQcategoryZ41182QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Mine has white handle slabs that are held on with copper rivets NOT screws leading mr to believe this is a retro repair. All the hatchets I have found photos of have screws. Also, mine does not have the blade guard and has been retro fitted with a nice piece of hard wood in the slot/groove again deminishing the collectable value. By the way my handles do not ssay anything on them and the others I have seen all sem to say Marbles. Another indication that these handles were added at a later date.

Any info would be a help.

Bob Urban
 
I have a newer Marble's Safety Hatchet,wood handle.Hickory.I think. A.G. Russell a while back.175.oo,IIRC.
Gladstone!:D
 
I don't know much about Marbles axes and their values but yours sounds seriously crippled. I do know you can buy reproduction grips, screws and guard for about $80. I have a #2 with incorrect grips and a broken guard and I plan on buying the replacement parts. It will still be a cripple and I don't know if it will increase the value $80 but I plan on keeping it for use.
 
I have been watching E-Bay for a year now, searching for an older Marble Hand axe at a decent price. No luck thus far...
I have a newer Marbles safety axe (SS, Black plastic handle, made in China), and yes, just like the previous post said, "Piece of crap".
China does produce some great functional products at a decent price (Norinco AK-47 clones, 1911A-1's, etc.), however IMHO all the knives and newer Marbles line are just shiny junk.
I can only guess if my Grandfather was alive what he would say if he saw the Marble name etched onto this low quality flea market trash.
 
I guess i will just toss it over b the fire place to split kindling with. Be a good conversation piece
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top