Came across this old axe head in an old foot locker. It has cleaned up pretty nice. Stamped True Temper Made in USA on one side and has the letter "I" stamped on the other. Any ideas on about when this was made or how old it is?

I picked this up Saturday for a buck even though its cracked.

I don't know how old the claw hatchet is, but I like it!
  Beautiful condition!
    yours Scott

Thanks Scott. Not sure if I should go ahead and finish cleaning it to bright shiny metal or just leave it like it is.

Well don't ask me! I'd carve a beautiful handle and polish it like a mirror! :)

  If you get mad at it? Or just tired of it? Lemme know.
     yours Scott

I think it's a nice hatchet.

I'm with Scott, make it pretty.  Unless something is in that rare top percentage that is "museum quality" and where condition affects value, I like tools fixed up, rehandled, painted and tricked out. Then used to make or fix.

I think you should shine it up, put a pretty handle on it and display it.

Chilly

I'd leave it as it is.

Quote from: HeelSpur on April 22, 2014, 09:14:08 AM
I picked this up Saturday for a buck even though its cracked.

To bad it is cracked. Those are worth some money in good condition

Thanks for the input. Never tried to make a handle but always up for a new challenge. Looks like I have a new project.

The claw hatchet and the shingling hatchet are the two oldest hatchet designs mass produced.  The shingling hatchet design dates to about 1845.   Perhaps even a bit earlier.  Both have enjoyed a loooong production history.  Yours is in great condition -- these are most commonly found with one or both of the claws broken off. 

You can make  your own handle, or you can buy one -- the eye is still pretty standard.  I've had to put handles on two for an Ordnance Department Civil War tool kit.

Thanks to all for your input and suggestions.