David Martin
so we could see what that beast can do with his unforgiving Emory Oak. After that give it retirement party and proudly hang it on your wall 
I will gladly pay for the shipping to NM so we can see that monster in action.
Please add! By definition, this is about everyone else contributing. And that Douglas is beautiful. Does the poll narrow, or is that the picture angle? I hadn’t thought of a straight handle. Really interesting.I like the idea behind this thread, I probably have some to add myself, and I like this axe. Reminds me of an old Douglas axe I have (see below), on steroids. If it was in my stable, I would put it on a straight 30-32 inch handle and take it to work with me, as "the old Billy Baroo" for those times when I'm wedging a big tree against its lean and need a little extra force. For the last 7 years or so I've kept an old Kelly Flint Edge that comes in at about 4 pounds (which none of my crewmembers are allowed to use) in my rig for snagging and hazard tree work. This would outclass and outdrive that one, and it looks like it would hold a nice edge for debarking and cleaning out face cuts when needed. Message me if you actually do want to sell or trade it.
I seriously gave the idea of ‘summer camp’ some thought. It would only delay my dilemma though. Your instinct on pattern may be right The 1859 Underhill catalog has this to say:My little, bit up Blodgett would be more than happy to be near younger, bigger 5 lbs brother!!
It has the look of North Western pattern but with flatter poll like Ohio had
Definitely splitting axe.
Here comes crazy idea: Loan it for one season to
Given the poll wear, I don’t think it’s hardened.
It’s crazy how little info there is about the Underhill’s, beyond Tom’s work, out there. I wish CopperHill was still active. I don’t remember him posting much about Underhill, but being in NH, I’m sure he knows tons. And I’m sure there would be no better steward of the tool than you.Samuel K and Rufus among other Underhills were in Boston before New Hampshire. They started in Boston! I have an Underhill hog splitter made in Boston in 1841.
I have a pretty good size collection of Underhills.
If no one else has a laid claim or made you an offer than I'd love to add it to my collection.
It also looks somewhat like the woodsman pattern. But the other suggestions look promising too.
I recently purchased a very old Romer-Bishop (stil trying to learn about the bishop part) with an inlaid bit. It's one of those axes that since it made it this far through time it deserves a peaceful retirement in my view. As does yours! It's nice!
As I said if I'm not stepping on any toes and you are interested in having it appreciated and cared for, I'm your huckleberry.
jedgar1980@gmail.com
The poll does narrow, it's a pretty cool axe. Will try to get a couple more photos of it to share.
Somehow these photos don't quite do it justice, the overall form of this one is really graceful with nice subtle curves. And the poll is strikingly thin, probably thinner than any other full size axe I've ever owned. Exactly 3/4" at its widest, while the head as a whole maxes out at about 1 1/8" by the eye.
I suspect the actual maker's mark would be Homer Bishop & Co. Cast Steel WarrantedI've heard of a blacksmith who cuts a relief cut in the poll and then hammers the steel back and re-welds it. I haven't seen it done just heard of one doing it. So pinch of salt there even though it sounds plausible. I've got some abused ones that make me sad as well. I actually started a thread about abused axes awhile ago. I can't figure out how to link it oddly enough but it's called "why must they do this". Good place to discuss abused axes.
But I've got a contribution and a mystery axe wrapped in one.
Anyone heard of Romer Bishop? I've heard of the former of course! It's an old pattern with an inlaid bit. Not sure what I'll do with it if anything.
Truly you are a wizard!
. Thank you! That would make a lot of sense and is in keeping with what I felt of the timeframe of when it was made. How interesting! Homer- Bishop was part of Samuel Bigelow's story and the Boston fire ruined that businesswhich led to Macomber, Bigelow & Dowse starting up. How cool is that!