Black Raven hatchet by Kelly Axe Mfg. Co.

[retiredbadge8091]

I was looking over some of my acquisitions recently and came across a hatchet I received from my father-in-law. He knew I liked hatchets and had picked the hatchet up at a yard sale.

Looking over the hatchet again, I initially thought it was a Boy Scout hatchet because of its leather sheath with the embossed Scout logo. The head, however, features a logo with a raven and the words, "Black Raven," "Kelly Axe Mfg. Co." and "Charleston, W.V. U.S.A." There are no Boy Scout markings on the head itself.

One side of the hatchet appears to have had that side of the handle painted white with a red head and the other side has a plain varnished handle with a black head featuring the Black Raven logo with the remnants of a brass wash.

Checking on the internet I discovered the Black Raven axes and hatchets seem to command stout prices. Any members here having more insight regarding my hatchet? I'd like to know a date of manufacturing, current value and history. (Pictures to follow.)

 

[s&wchad]

Very nice!

I'd guess you hatchet was made in the 1920's, but I don't know for sure. Kelly moved from Alexandria, Indiana to Charleston, West Virginia in 1904 and they were bought out by The American Fork & Hoe Company in 1930. After the buy out, head were stamped:

Black Raven
Kelly Axe & Tool Works of
The American Fork & Hoe Co.
Charleston, W. VA.
U.S.A.

After 1949, heads were marked:
True Temper
Kelly Works

The sheath may have been added. I have a few older Boy Scout hatchets from other manufacturers. Both the heads and sheaths are generally marked (one Plumb hatchet has the Boy Scout crest on the snap instead of on the leather).

I don't know what it's worth, but I'd guess it would bring well over $100 on ebay. $200-$300 wouldn't surprise me.

You can buy a booklet on Kelly with more info from yesteryearstools. It's about $30. If you buy the book, let me know. I've got about 60 axes and hatchets hanging in the basement and I'd love to have you look some things up for me!

 

[Smith357]

Your Black Raven is in very fine condition without a lot of blade wear and mushrooming of the poll. As you have already realized the Black Ravens are highly sought after by collectors and draw top dollar, which is weird as the Raven was not Kelly's top of the line axe. But then any "embossed" axe in good condition brings big money.

I'm pretty sure the sheath is for a Plumb BSA hatchet, the shape looks like what is commonly called the Cedar or National Pattern.

 

[retiredbadge8091]

Thanks for the information and encouraging words. I suspected the sheath was wrong and would like to possibly find a correct sheath. I think I will order the Black Raven/Kelly Axe reference book. I have one about the iconic Marble line and enjoy referring to it often.

 

[Smith357]

Thanks for the information and encouraging words. I suspected the sheath was wrong and would like to possibly find a correct sheath. I think I will order the Black Raven/Kelly Axe reference book. I have one about the iconic Marble line and enjoy referring to it often.

I do not believe there is a correct sheath for a Black Raven, but it is well worth it to have one custom made for it.