Plumb Hatchet question

L

lwrhea

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May 24, 2005
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I recently purchased this little hatchet in a box at an auction. It's a Plumb with "US" in big letters and what appears to be "1944" stamped on it. I searched and found an image on the web of a similar head with similar marking but that one was marked on the opposite side of the head. I just saw that image but didn't really learn anything about the head.

This is my hatchet:




Is there anything noteworthy about this head? I suspect its military issue but am not positive of that. There are so many heads and markings out there but what sets this one apart from the rest? Value is not as important to me as the story.

FYI the head is 5 inches long from poll to edge and has a 3-1/2 inch cutting edge. The poll is not beat up so I think it might have set in someone's tool box for decades.

Thanks in advance.
 
That looks like the "Model 1910 Intrenching Axe WWII" as described in the article "U.S. Military Axes -- Part II" by Carter Rila (appearing in The Chronicle of the Early American Industries Association, Vol. 3, No. 2, June 1986, p.22).

A photo shows a "U.S./Plumb 1942" with stamped markings, and a "U.S./Plumb 1945" with markings raised during forging.

From the article:

"The basis of issue adopted in 1910 changed the issue of the ax to one per each even numbered squad, to be carried by number 3, rear rank, a bolo being similarly carried in each odd numbered squad...The head of the WWII ax is about one-half inch longer than that of the WWI head... The WWII made period axes are marked with the maker's name, U.S. and the date. The handle is slightly bellied but has no fawn foot or swelling on the end. The entire ax is painted olive drab... Near the end of the war or slightly after, the [Model 1910] ax was withdrawn from issue as a squad tool."
 
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Thank you sir! This is just the interesting kind of information I wanted to know. Thank you for taking the time to help me with this. So it's no loss that this handle (which is not likely original) is loose and could stand to be replaced. I'll try to find a pattern and make it myself.
 
I suspect that your hatchet may have been flipped. That is hung upside down. The markings are usually on the other side as you have noticed. This was done a lot to even out the wear to the toe of the axe. The eyes are usually wider at the top than the bottom to help secure the head after wedging.
 
garry3, I considered that possibility and cant say that is not what happened for a certainty but I measured the eye and they appear to be very close to the same top to bottom. I cant yet discern any difference until perhaps I remove the old haft. Even so, looking at the flare of the blade and ignoring the grind wear, I have a hard time thinking it's upside down. But I admit the chance of my looking at it wrong is higher than the likelihood that they stamped it wrong. Thank you for your input.

I did a search and found an example of the original handle shape. You guys provided me with the key words.
 
lwrhea said:
garry3, I considered that possibility and cant say that is not what happened for a certainty but I measured the eye and they appear to be very close to the same top to bottom. I cant yet discern any difference until perhaps I remove the old haft. Even so, looking at the flare of the blade and ignoring the grind wear, I have a hard time thinking it's upside down. But I admit the chance of my looking at it wrong is higher than the likelihood that they stamped it wrong. Thank you for your input.

I did a search and found an example of the original handle shape. You guys provided me with the key words.
Click to expand...

Ya, I didn't know your experience level so thought I would say something just incase. And you could tell better than me from a photograph. Not at all surprised either way. If I have learned nothing else from collecting axes it is that there are very few things that are etched in stone.
 
This might be the handle that came on that model? I know there are some reproductions out that don't quite have the same handle shape. These handles are surprisingly comfortable.

P1010028_zps4kza38yj.jpg
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I have a hatchet that is marked U.S. with no date or mfg stamps, any info will be appreciated
 
RICKOFF said:
I have a hatchet that is marked U.S. with no date or mfg stamps, any info will be appreciated
Click to expand...

If I recall correctly from reading that article earlier today, the year and manufacturer stamps were used on the WWII version (but not on the earlier version used in WWI).
 
Garry3, Yes, I believe that is the right shape for the handle. I appreciate the tape measure in the photo. That answered my next question.

As for my experience, while I make knives and a few axes, there are so many patterns of axes that I could never learn it all. Mixing the history of these objects into my collection is very enjoyable.
 
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