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Most recent articles and updates added Mid-2009.
 
 
A sampling of some of the hundreds of labels that were used on axes. The axe in the left photo has been etched. The axe in the right photo bears a paper label. The examples shown include originals and facsimiles redrawn for identification purposes.
YesteryearsTools is an Internet Magazine that concentrates on hand tools, the toolmakers and the tool distributors that operated mostly between the mid-1800s and mid to late-1900s. Particular attention centers upon the markings and labels of such makers and distributors, specifically those that can be classified as manufacturers and/or major distributors. In some situations individual makers, such as blacksmiths and certain retailers, may also be topics for discussion. Other articles will concentrate on nomenclature, variety and the diversity of design for certain tools. Under no circumstances are these parameters considered to be restrictions but they do constitute the primary focus of this magazine.
    Although the emphasis is on American tools and concerns, those falling into similar categories that were made or operated in other countries are also of interest. More specifically, we eventually expect to also discuss axe manufacturers from Canada, Australia, England and some European countries. Included will be an overview along with representations and depictions of the markings and labels that various axe and edge tool companies used.
The SHOWCASED HIGHLIGHTS section is intended to briefly showcase photos devoted to a specific tool or group of tools and/or photos related to the recent exhibits.  The accompanying photographs and descriptions are intended to expand the scope of awareness related to each topic without going into a extended degree of detail.  
Showcased Highlights ...
Tom Lamond ©
 
   Attention will concentrate on articles related to manufacturers and wholesale hardware concerns that dealt with hand tools and axes. Trades and occupations that utilized such tools will also be discussed. One might expect to read about something to do with the logging or lumbering industries and the hand tools associated with those activities. Woodworking, lumbering and logging trades and occupations share the primary focus but a spectrum of subjects related to the shop and the farm are also intended to be included in this undertaking.
 
   How long this undertaking will continue and how diverse it will become will only be determined as time goes by. As of this posting the web site is entering into the second year. The interaction to date has been rewarding so the site will continue until at least the end of 2009. Continuation will then be evaluated. Whatever the case, the undertaking is intended to share the rich heritage of our relatively recent past in regard to hand tools, those who made them and how they were marked.
Qualifier and Clarifier: The information and graphics included herein have been gathered from numerous sources including but not limited to scholarly research, Internet research, observations, photographs and a number of individual contributions. In many cases the graphics are drawings based on original artifacts, field sketches, photo reproductions and/or component portions cobbled together to form an approximation of what an original may have actually looked like.
Any and all copyrighted materials are the property of the individual copyright owners. The original writings and original graphics are the copyrighted property of the originators. Yesteryears Tools and its creators make no claim to proprietary rights to such materials other than where the writings and graphics have been created by the author and/or illustrator associated with Yesteryears Tools.
In most cases the illustrations and/or the photos have been created by the author of the articles and are copyrighted. Proper permission is required from the author and/or illustrator before reuse, reproduction or other use is undertaken. Proper credits are required in such a situation. Permission should be requested whenever reuse is intended or desired.
Please contact Tom@YesteryearsTools.com for further information.
Recent Additions ...
ARTICLES:    A number of additional articles have been added for this posting along with some additions to the glossary and some changes to the INFO SEARCH section. The recently added articles are listed at the beginning of the menu list, directly after the word HOME. The most recent articles are listed at the top of the contents list. They are reorganized when new listings are added.
On the pages with the actual articles, headings in BLACK at the top of the page are either general or related primarily to American companies. Articles with headings in RED are related to Canadian companies. Heading in GREEN relate to articles about European manufacturers.
 
GLOSSARY:   A number of additional words have been added to the glossary. The total is now over 450 entries.
 
INFO SEARCH:   Some additions and reworking of the queries on the info search page have been put in place. Unfortunately there has been a minimum degree of input response to the info search, although the inquiries about other axes and axe brands have been increasing, which is fine.
 
   The additions to the INFO SEARCH section dealing with markings used by a German company, Jon. Wiebelhaus & Co. is still included. At this time no additional information has been gathered in regard to the company. It would be interesting to learn more about Jon. Wiebelhaus & Co. as so far only examples of their markings and labels are known. It has been suggested that the Trumpeter is actually the symbol in the earlier posting depicted in yellow and black. Another theory is that that mark was used by a Swedish maker. As always, input is welcome.
 
     If you should have a comment or question please click on the link at the bottom of the page. We will do our best to respond to all reasonable communications. Written descriptions without photos are very difficult to respond to. If possible, send a picture.
 
     One area we do avoid involves pricing or responding to questions related to the of value of an item. There are way too many variables involved that cannot be honestly responded to.  
THE COLOR OF AXES: Most old axes encountered today appear to be black (oxidized and rusted not withstanding) and originally many were actually painted black or achieved that coloring as a result of other processing. The second most popular color was red, ranging from deep red to vermilion (axe at far left) with many shades in between. A close look at many old and collectible axes shows various degrees of red paint, sometimes in small amounts down in crevices or around the eye. Some have even withstood the test of time with vestiges of their original labels included. Contemporary label facsimiles are included to show approximately how they may have originally looked. Of course some axes also had lettering stamped into the head. Depending on the circumstances, that lettering may have been the full or abbreviated name of the maker or distributor. The marking on the right is stamped into the hatchet head and stood for King Axe & Tool Co.
FIRE AXES: Remembered by many of the older generation, fire axes at one time were much more commonly seen than now-a-days. Practically every public building (even schools), theaters, railroad cars, ferries and other vessels that carried a group of people had one or more fire axes readily available in case of an emergency. The spiked-style as well as the single bit style of fire axe is still rather common on certain marine vessels and of course on most fire trucks. The older style, sometimes referred to as a “battle axe” or “Victorian style”, are still occasionally seen in parades or on display in museums. There are also a number of similar other style tools that are sometimes referred to as fire axes that are actually used as fire fighting tools. Some are still quite common in areas susceptible to forest or grass-land fires. Contemporary fire fighting tools have taken on a whole new appearance and are multi-functional with most including an axe-like component.
Tom Lamond ©
 
 What are now commonly recognized as traditional fire axes started to be offered by axe manufacturers toward the end of the 1800s. Numerous manufacturers provided such axes and most looked strikingly similar to the others. In reality there were numerous weights and sizes made buy most makers. Most makers also included minor variations in shape. Basically there were three sizes, Full, Truckman’s, and Belt (hatchet). Some excluded the spike and had extra wide, heavy flattened polls for bashing through locking devices and/or next to door hinges. The example at the lower right is an English design.
FIRE AXES
   The older Victorian style axes were made in a variety of shapes and ranged from plain to ornate. Some were painted in red and/or gold combinations and some included symbols. A number were actually made more for ceremonial purposes such as parades but most were quite functional. The eyes in the two at the left go completely through, the other has a socket with screw.
   Various tools, some combining the axe with another type of implement, were considered fire fighting tools. They were frequently used to fight outdoor fires involving the need to clear away vegetation. Those at the upper right are forms of brush axes. Those at the lower left are called Pulaski Tools, named after the original inventor.
RED AXES
   A sampling of stampings and paper labels that were used on various fire axes manufactured between 1900 and 1975. The label at the right was used on some English fire axes.
   Facsimiles of the paper labels that were used on the axes depicted.
 
   Examples of paint schemes that were used on various fire axes. Many local fire brigades had customized designs.