[TheForge] Axe styles

[PlumDon at aol.com]

In a message dated 6/13/2004 9:52:43 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
mspencer at tallships.ca writes:
Can anyone point me to anything on line that will help me date an axe
head? 
Mike;

Are you familiar with the book "American Axes" by Henry J. Kauffman. This was 
one he wrote in 1972 and was last published by Olde Springfield Shoppe in 
Elverson, PA. It does a good job of documenting and showing construction of most 
American axes. 

I too, have found an axe similar to the "Kent" or broad axe you describe, 
when digging in an old house foundation. Similar type axes were made over many 
years here in the colonies and it will likely be very difficult to date it with 
any accuracy. It could have been most anytime between the years you mention 
(1700-1850) or even 1650 and 1900. I would bet there were still plenty or rural 
blacksmiths turning out an axe like this as the world rolled into the 20th 
century.

Regards

Don Plummer
Plummer Design Works
392 Hallman Mill Road
Phoenixville, PA 19460
610-495-5058