ordnanceguy
SWCA Member
I love a good axe or hatchet. My preference is for the USGI versions.
Below is seen a quick image of some of my Model of 1910 Hand Axes, as the US military referred to its hatchets.
The four on the left are WW2. The nomenclature for the WW2 examples is "Axe, Intrenching, M1910". From the left they are marked:
1. U.S. American Fork & Hoe Co. 1944. It is shown with a Hand Axe carrier manufactured by Canvas Products of Kansas City in 1944.
2. U.S. MANN 1945. It is carried in a carrier marked Original Tractor Cab Co. 1944.
3. U.S. PLUMB 1942.
4. U.S. JOBST 1942.
The two on the right are both WW1 era Hand Axes. Both are marked only U.S. as was customary for WW1 era hand axes. The handles are usually marked U.S. as well. They use the old style of Hand Axe Carrier with the strap. One is marked Canvas Prod. Co. Aug. 1918 while the other is marked simply H&P 8-18.
One might assume that Hand Axes were intended for general issue. However, the Hand Axe was originally intended for issuance to medics. Large numbers were purchased by the military for both wars, so they are not tough to find today, although the original handles are often missing or replaced.
Below is seen a quick image of some of my Model of 1910 Hand Axes, as the US military referred to its hatchets.
The four on the left are WW2. The nomenclature for the WW2 examples is "Axe, Intrenching, M1910". From the left they are marked:
1. U.S. American Fork & Hoe Co. 1944. It is shown with a Hand Axe carrier manufactured by Canvas Products of Kansas City in 1944.
2. U.S. MANN 1945. It is carried in a carrier marked Original Tractor Cab Co. 1944.
3. U.S. PLUMB 1942.
4. U.S. JOBST 1942.
The two on the right are both WW1 era Hand Axes. Both are marked only U.S. as was customary for WW1 era hand axes. The handles are usually marked U.S. as well. They use the old style of Hand Axe Carrier with the strap. One is marked Canvas Prod. Co. Aug. 1918 while the other is marked simply H&P 8-18.
One might assume that Hand Axes were intended for general issue. However, the Hand Axe was originally intended for issuance to medics. Large numbers were purchased by the military for both wars, so they are not tough to find today, although the original handles are often missing or replaced.
