Hatchets

[BigDuke634]

What type of hatchets were most common?

[Rob Weaver]

Hatchets didn't change much over time. The blade tended to be from 4-6 1/2 " and blade often flares up slightly on the upper edge and "beards" slightly on the lower. In short much like a modern hatchet head. Dug examples have both nail pullers on the blade and hammer heads on the reverse. Handles were wood. Axe handles had the characteristic "axe handle" shape we still see, as did some of the hatchets I've seen, although the majority that still had handles, had straight ones. Hatchets can be had for around $5 in any antique shop I an think of, certainly less than $10. (A new handle might be in order!) I have one with a hammer head, which is surprisingly useful around camp.
There are some good hatchet head pictures in Lord's Encyclopedia Vol III, p 84.

[Burke69nyv]

What type of hatchets were most common?

Hi,
Hatchets were the second most supplied item from home during the war, pocket knives being the first. If looking to buy an original, educate your self as to who the major tool and hardware suppliers of the day were. For hatchets look for Collins of New Haven Conn. or C. Hammond of Phil., PA.
Collins is still in business today and still manufactures presentation swords for the military. They were also a huge provider of machetes during the Vietnam War. Hammond held a contract to make hatchets and axes for the Union Army.
Check flea markets, antique shops or eBay for the correct hatchet. Armed with knowledge, you'll make the right choice.

[AZReenactor]

Hatchets were the second most supplied item from home during the war, pocket knives being the first.

Tom,
I'd really like to know your source for that statistic above. I'd really like to know who made it, the source of their data, and how they arrived at such a conclusion so that the validity of the claim can be scrutinized carefully. Not saying it is incorrect, but definitely needs to be questioned.

[TobiasJones]

I was browsing the site of Heritage Auction and came across this hatchet:

http://americana.ha.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=663&Lot_No=74228#Photo

This'll give you something to look at.

Evan O'Dell

[militiaman1835]

I just recently read a letter to home where soldier asks to be sent a hatchet saying there was only one in camp and he could not find one to buy anywhere. Jim Hensley

[reddcorp]

Anyone have a source for handles for these antique hatchets? I got a dandy hatchet head...but the opening is too large for the handles available at regular hardware stores.
Trying to avoid whittling one myself.

A.W.Redd

[tompritchett]

Anyone have a source for handles for these antique hatchets?

If you live close to South-Eastern PA, try Dixon's Muzzleloading Shop. I know that he sells old style hatchets and just handles. Besides, for anyone with muzzleloaders, his shop is THE place to check out. He also sells originals from all era's up to the Civil War.

If not, measure the dimensions of the opening in your hatchet head and give him a call. They are good folks to deal with.

The link to their site is http://dixonmuzzleloading.com/index.php .