This is a late 1800's primitive axe from the southwest Virginia area. It measures 16" in length and has a cast iron head that measures 3 1/4". This is probably one of the most unusual items to come into the shop in a while! At first glance you would think it to be Native American, but I do not believe that to be the case. The handle appears to be made out of a grape vine. A square nail has been driven through the two loops at the bottom of the handle to hold them together, then bent over the smaller section. At the upper end a cast iron spiral is used to hold the handle part together. The actual head of the hammer looks to have been a chisel or large wrecking bar that has been cut off. It has been put in the loop of the grapevine, and is held in place through the interference fit. The head is a little loose, but will not fall off. I believe this was intended to be a child's toy more than an actual work implement. It came into the shop with no history at all, just that it was found on the farm in southwest Virginia.

Item # AA2887