Plumb axe stamp dating?

[Brian Rust]

hello all,

I just acquired a Plumb Connecticut pattern axe. The Plumb stamp has a block around it with rounded corners instead of the square corners. I don’t see many Plumb axes in my neck of the woods. A few hatchets (roofers mainly), but not many axes. Any help would be great! Thank you!





Any other info on Plumb would be appreciated

 

[Agent_H]

I’m not sure whether the square cornered or rounded corners are older or if the were used simultaneously.

I seem to remember some scans of maybe circa 30’s ads showing squared corners.

That is a nice axe though

 

[Brian Rust]

Thank you sir I appreciate it. I never get lucky and for some reason that day I did.

 

[Agent_H]

1919 Popular Science ad

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/rare-plumb-axe-help-dating-and-other-information.1368632/

I really don't know if they can be dated by rounded or squared corners.

 

[Brian Rust]

Yeah I don’t know either. I kinda wondered if Plumb outsourced this axe to another company and they did rounded corners. I haven’t seen many Plumb Connie’s on the web but that doesn’t mean much. I will say the steel is amazing. the bit is perfect. I was very impressed with the steel.

 

[Steve Tall]

The photos in the Plumb Scout Axe Timeline Paper show a similar stamp on an axe said to be from 1962-1972 (page 49). Earlier examples shown with rounded corners say either "Genuine Plumb" or "Guaranteed Plumb".

The Plumb catalog with price lists from 1964/1965 shows a 3-1/2# Connecticut pattern under the Dreadnaught brand, so they were evidently still being made during the 1960s.

 

[Brian Rust]

Thank you Steve!

 

[jrcarleton]

This is an heirloom from the old family farm. Likely belonged to my great-grandfather. I’m curious as to when it was produced. A little research on this forum tells me probably early 1940s? But I would have expected pre-1940 based on where it was found/who it belonged to. It says “Genuine Plumb” on the head, with “Plumb” made up of horizontal lines, and the handle seems to be original (“Plumb Tested Hickory USA”). There is a take-up screw in the wedge, and on the bottom of the handle I can just make out what looks like a “2” but no other numbers. It’s double beveled, the head is 6” long, the bit is 4.5”, and the handle is just shy of 16”. Would this be considered a broad hatchet? Any ideas on the production year? I’d greatly appreciate any insight on this one!

 

[rjdankert]

I can just make out what looks like a “2” . . ., the bit is 4.5”,

Size #2

Would this be considered a broad hatchet?

yes

example for size and type only

Bob

 

[jrcarleton]

Thank you, this is great! Really cool to see this ad. Also would love to hear if anyone has thoughts on the production timeline. Thanks so much!