Help with Identification-Naval Axe?

Interested Party · 22nd January 2024, 01:19 PM

It minds me of a mill pick but not quite the right shape. Their ax and adze are a little more wedge shaped in profile and shorter I believe. It is hard to get a sense of proportion, size, and overall shape from these pictures. The prybar handle is a later addition? Interesting in that it seems made for a very specific purpose. In its current configuration it would be good for pulling specimens out of mines. If I owned it that would be its purpose. Though I wouldn't want to swing it too much with that metal handle it makes my elbow hurt just looking at it.

Bob A I believe that is a hay knife, maybe it saw double duty. Here is a picture from the Antique Ice Tool Museum.

This seems like a Miscellaneous tool.

Ian · 23rd January 2024, 10:58 AM

mgolab: Your hammer head has the general profile of a slater's hammer, but the all metal handle may be ill suited for that purpose--seems too heavy to wield for a day.

Bob: I'm pretty sure your tool is a hay knife and would not cut ice all that well. The one's shown by IP are what I saw used in Minnesota by the old timers. Nowadays ice augers and chain saws seem to have replaced a lot of the hand ice saws, at least for ice fishing and ice sculptures.

mgolab · 23rd January 2024, 01:44 PM

Thanks Ian, but I'd have to disagree with you on that. Where is the hammer? It is a blade profile with a spike/chisel end. Hand forged. Someone else suggested that the head and haft were married at a later date, which makes sense looking at the eye profile.

David · 23rd January 2024, 04:28 PM

Seems like an interesting tool that should be moved to the Miscellaneous Forum.

Ian · 24th January 2024, 05:36 AM

Agree Gavin. Over it goes for further discussion.

22nd January 2024, 01:19 PM	#1
Interested Party Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Eastern Sierra Posts: 392	It minds me of a mill pick but not quite the right shape. Their ax and adze are a little more wedge shaped in profile and shorter I believe. It is hard to get a sense of proportion, size, and overall shape from these pictures. The prybar handle is a later addition? Interesting in that it seems made for a very specific purpose. In its current configuration it would be good for pulling specimens out of mines. If I owned it that would be its purpose. Though I wouldn't want to swing it too much with that metal handle it makes my elbow hurt just looking at it. Bob A I believe that is a hay knife, maybe it saw double duty. Here is a picture from the Antique Ice Tool Museum. This seems like a Miscellaneous tool. Attached Images

23rd January 2024, 10:58 AM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,044	mgolab: Your hammer head has the general profile of a slater's hammer, but the all metal handle may be ill suited for that purpose--seems too heavy to wield for a day. Bob: I'm pretty sure your tool is a hay knife and would not cut ice all that well. The one's shown by IP are what I saw used in Minnesota by the old timers. Nowadays ice augers and chain saws seem to have replaced a lot of the hand ice saws, at least for ice fishing and ice sculptures.

23rd January 2024, 01:44 PM	#3
mgolab Member Join Date: Jun 2023 Posts: 39	Thanks Ian, but I'd have to disagree with you on that. Where is the hammer? It is a blade profile with a spike/chisel end. Hand forged. Someone else suggested that the head and haft were married at a later date, which makes sense looking at the eye profile.

23rd January 2024, 04:28 PM	#4
David Keris forum moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Nova Scotia Posts: 7,047	Seems like an interesting tool that should be moved to the Miscellaneous Forum.

24th January 2024, 05:36 AM	#5
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,044	Agree Gavin. Over it goes for further discussion.