ELWELL Axe???

[Torchy90]

Alright Fellas and Ladies.

Just picked up an ald axe from a second hand shop recently. It was pretty beat up and rusted so ive recently gave it a rub down and discovered the word (ELWELL -----4-----) on the side of the axe head.
I was just wondering if this a decent tool and its origin?. i cleaned it up and gave it a varnish and also made a leather grip just a little extra touch.

Pictures here

[Sparky415]

That looks nice 
And yes they are a good make, They are a well known maker of Axes and tools

*I copied this off the net so not sure if its correct as I'm sure there are slightly newer Elwell tools 

"Edward Elwell started at Wednesbury Forge in Staffordshire in 1817, and stopped around 1930 I think, when it merged with Chillington Tool company. Eventually taken over by Spear and Jackson"

Are you in the UK?

Wednesbury Forge
http://www.localhistory.scit.wlv.ac.uk/articles/Wednesbury/Industry.htm

[Farmman]

Very nice. Tony has a new pin up.

[Neil]

I think they continued stamping the stuff Elwell well after 1930, whoever they were owned by.  I've seen military issue ones from the forties.

They're a good axe, nice clean-up and welcome to the forum 

[Torchy90]

Well thanks for the Info and the Welcome guys.
On to a matter of looks im torn bettween Really making it shine like a mirror. Or
giving it a little pollish but not too much, dont want it to look brand new.
The Leather Grip was made out an ald leather belt of mine that i didnt want.

What do yas think?

[Sparky415]

Ooops, Welcome Torchy 

I think I would leave it alone or maybe add some more patina 

Is it going to be used? if you have some more leather you could add a bit near the head to protect the haft in case of over shooting your target 

[Gareth]

I think it looks great as it is, let it show it's age and forget about making it shiny IMO.

Welcome to the forum torchy.

[Accujohn]

Axes are cool... Only thing cooler would be one on a MT. Doesn't have to actually work either. It would just be awesome to whip it out at parties

[Torchy90]

yes its going to be used. and thats a good idea putting leather at the haft the onlu thing is would it be too much.
ive decided not so shine it up and leave it vinatge 

its a pretty nice weight too im 6"2 and skin and bone but i can handle it nicely.
is there anyway i could find out the exact year it was made??

cheers

[Neil]

I don't know how to date them I'm afraid unless they are military issued   

[Sparky415]

Just out of curiosity theres one that’s similar to yours on Fleabay at the moment

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=251003586681&ssPageName=ADME:B:WNA:GB:1123

[Torchy90]

ooo ey that would be a nice clean up. gotta say mines alot better lookin 

[Sparky415]

ooo ey that would be a nice clean up. gotta say mines alot better lookin  

 


It only needs a little love