Yesteryears Tools is an Internet Magazine that concentrates on hand tools, the toolmakers and the tool distributors that operated mostly between the mid-1800s and 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.
 
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 spectrum 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 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.
Please contact YesteryearsTools for further information.
Most recent articles added January 2008.
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 (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.
Recent Additions ...
ARTICLES:    Five additional articles have been added for this posting along with some additions to the glossary and additional material to the INFO SEARCH section. The recently added articles are listed at the beginning of the menu list, directly after the word HOME. The first three articles are related to American companies while the next two discuss Canadian companies.
    The additions to the INFO SEARCH section deal with markings used by a German company, Jon. Wiebelhaus & Co. It would be interesting to learn more about that company as so far only markings and labels are known about. It has been suggested that the Trumpeter is actually the symbol in the earlier posting depicted in yellow and black. Another theory is that mark was used by a Swedish maker. Input welcome.
 
GLOSSARY:    A few more words have been added to the glossary. Total now over 425 entries.
 
INFO SEARCH:   Some additions and reworking of the queries on the info search page has 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.
 
     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.  
BOOK INQUIRY:    We have had numerous inquiries asking if a book is available with these and other axe articles and graphics. The current potential involves over 250 axe making companies and another 200+ wholesale hardware companies, along with over 2,000 graphics (maybe it’s over 3,000 or more by now) and considerable technical info on styles, shapes, finishes, etc. The lists of brands used on axes by manufacturers and wholesale hardware concerns that marketed tools now exceeds 5,000. All things considered there is enough material to produce two or three books related to axes, axe manufacturers and wholesale tool distributors. The major components missing are still a publisher and a distributor.
    The “Spokeshave Book” is still available. The full name is Manufactured and Patented Spokeshaves & Similar Tools. Written and published by Thomas C. Lamond, it is the most comprehensive book on spokeshaves available. The book includes 450+ pages of photographs, illustrations and information on spokeshave types, styles, manufacturers and patentees and more. Great for identification purposes.
Available through this web sight.
Contact Tom@YesteryearsTools.com for details.
(Shipped in protective cardboard book-box.)
 
 
   Initial 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 2008. 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.
 
Tom Lamond ©