A Littlewood Axe

I was looking through a box of my tools recently and came across this 5lb English pattern felling axe, marked I.Littlewood, Sheffield.

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The name was not a familiar one on edge tools and doing some research I found an article by Ken Hawley (Tools & Trades Vol.7) regarding this firm. These axes went out of use some time ago as methods changed and despite being a bit rusty it is what looks to be unused condition. It was very likely manufactured at the Clough Works between 1889 and 1904. According to Ken's article they made a lot of tools for other Sheffield manufacturers and marked as such. It would be interesting to know of any other I.Littlewood tools.

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A.Gardner

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#1 michael taylor 2021-03-08 14:04

Third go at sending.. The I. Littlewood axe above is not a felling axe. Currently reading Eric Sloan'e, 'A Museum of Early American Tools' and on pages 12 and 13, A World of Axes, is a perfect illustration of a mortise axe. The similarity to the Littlewood axe is uncanny. Can recommend Sloane's books for anyone interested in tools, treen and all things Americana.

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