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View Full Version : Found an old axe...need help with info



Tennessee Viking
01-11-2010, 21:25
I was digging some new trail on the Mountains to Sea Trail a few weeks ago, and I found an old axe head buried about a foot in the ground. I finally got it cleaned and put a handle on it. The axe head has a stamping on it.

"Penniman & Bro. Superior Cast Steel"

Does anyone know any info or details on it? I will also get some pics posted.

nox
01-11-2010, 21:36
I tried to look it up for you by typing "penniman steel" and pictures of little richard popped up... :-? I'm guessing he has nothing to do with your axe though, sorry. I'll try again.

Bronk
01-11-2010, 21:45
You might try this book...it lists the maker's mark for every American made axe from 1850 to 1960, which is the time span of when axes were made commercially in the US.

http://www.tooltimer.com/bookrev.htm

Don H
01-11-2010, 22:02
Found two court complaints against debtors in Shelby County, Alabama filed by Penniman Bros. and Pannamin Bros. in 1875. No information on specifics but it is possible this is your company. You could research the records or pay to have them copied and mailed.

Here's the link: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~alshelby/5DrawerA.html

MyName1sMud
02-18-2010, 12:29
That's pretty awesome finding a piece of history in the ground like that. Amazing what we can find by simply just digging.

Ox97GaMe
02-18-2010, 14:51
I found some references to Penniman copper and steel, located in Boston during the 1820s. It didnt say what type of tools or machinery might have been made by the company.

SGT Rock
02-18-2010, 14:58
Get on that antique road show thing.

JustaTouron
02-18-2010, 15:04
I bet if you joined this forum

http://www.papawswrench.com/vboard/index.php

they would have a better idea than hikers.

SGT Rock
02-18-2010, 15:08
Also try bladforums.com. Those guys love sharp stuff.

JustaTouron
02-18-2010, 15:16
Also try bladforums.com. Those guys love sharp stuff.


How are they with dull and rusty? I doubt the axe is still sharp. :)

elmotoots
02-18-2010, 20:12
Hey

I for one would love to see those pictures of it............?????


Elmo

ATsawyer
02-18-2010, 21:26
....Give a listen to Larry McPhail's interview. Old axeman speaketh.

http://www.kuow.org/program.php?id=18431

Tinker
02-18-2010, 21:39
I was fearing that this might be a thread about a problem marriage. ;) :D

Tennessee Viking
02-19-2010, 09:28
Get on that antique road show thing.
Actually Antique Roadshow was in Raleigh earlier that week.

It was buried about a foot deep in a small drainage area near the Eno River in Durham NC. The head was busted a bit where the handle once was. Got a new handle for it. Cleaned and grinded it. And my GF's father welded the broken piece together. And sharpened it. Gave it a couple good swings, and it still cuts.