Plumb Champion Axe with Original Handle

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Deltamac

Joined
Nov 6, 2013
Messages
2
Found this at a local Antique Mall about a couple of weeks ago. I think its a pretty good find...what say ya'll?

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Ok, a question. As long as I've been around competitive chopping the contestants have used single bit Australian pattern axes. Was there a time when double bits were favored and how long ago was that?
 
Too much of a billboard. Takes away from the clean lines. Probably only worth scrap value.

(Rolls eyes and drools on keyboard)

That is one of the coolest double bits ive ever seen! Id say its one heck of a find!!!!!
 
That's a new one on me! Betcha you didn't manage to dicker that sale down to $10 at the flea market. You're gonna want to find out just exactly who used them and when and how many of them were produced. Interesting find.
 
Some info from yesteryearstools:

"The Plumb Champion brand and markings were introduced sometime in the late 1920s and were continued for a good number of years; possibly in[to] the early 1940s... The "Champion" (as most collectors know it) was advertised for "expert choppers." It was not specifically made for competition and was probably used by a number of choppers, not just experts... Axes with a star mark as well as some other symbol markings on some examples suggests they were made for the export and possibly the Australian market. No conclusive evidence..."

http://www.yesteryearstools.com/Yesteryears%20Tools/Plumb%20Co..html
 
Thanks everybody for the kind words. It is rather tempting to chop something with it, but it's survived a lot longer than I've been around so I think I'll let it enjoy retirement for now. Again, thank you and I hope everyone is having a great weekend!
 
Deltamac said:
Thanks everybody for the kind words. It is rather tempting to chop something with it, but it's survived a lot longer than I've been around so I think I'll let it enjoy retirement for now. Again, thank you and I hope everyone is having a great weekend!
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All too often there is the temptation not to use something that's gracefully survived for almost a century but in your case (with regard to being a collector item) the implement is not in new condition anymore and the handle luckily is not deteriorated. Resale value over the long run isn't going to change one hoot whether you use it or hide it away. Might in fact be a very interesting opportunity to compare current production double bits with that of a 'top drawer' oldie. How easy/well does it sharpen, how does the edge hold up, how well does it bite and loosen wood chips, how does the heft and feel of the handle compare, etc.
I'm was like you for years in wanting to 'retire' old things but gradually overcame that fear and began to enjoy using them. But I have to admit that double bits spook me regardless of when and where they were made.
 
Lol are you kidding?? It will absolutely be worth more if it’s not used, hundreds and hundreds more. Thousands down the road! This head is in great shape and it’s rarer and rarer to see these with full stamp. Sheesh, talk about BAD advice!!!

300Six said:
All too often there is the temptation not to use something that's gracefully survived for almost a century but in your case (with regard to being a collector item) the implement is not in new condition anymore and the handle luckily is not deteriorated. Resale value over the long run isn't going to change one hoot whether you use it or hide it away. Might in fact be a very interesting opportunity to compare current production double bits with that of a 'top drawer' oldie. How easy/well does it sharpen, how does the edge hold up, how well does it bite and loosen wood chips, how does the heft and feel of the handle compare, etc.
I'm was like you for years in wanting to 'retire' old things but gradually overcame that fear and began to enjoy using them. But I have to admit that double bits spook me regardless of when and where they were made.
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