Description
Hey neighbor , This is a rare find , I have never seen a Barney & Berry hatchet before much less owned one . The makers mark is “BARNEY & BERRY -TRADE MARK- -MADE IN U.S.A.-” A little history of BARNEY & BERRY Everett Hosmer Barney was a man of many diverse talents , which included an interest in metal fabrication and was involved in ventures such as overseeing the manufacture of boilers and boiler plate . The American Civil War would lure him to ventures with Colt and then to a small pistol manufacturer , James Warner , where he used his skills to produce arms . After the war , Everett followed his heart long passion of ice skating . In 1864 he took a side job with an associate , John Berry , crafting ice skates . In 1866 Everett Barney acquired his first patent for a design of strap on ice skates which began a road to wealth based on his inventions . Sales were very high and “BARNEY & BERRY” skates soon became popular throughout New England . By the 1880’s , Everett Hosmer Barney was a well known , eccentric millionaire in the Springfield , Mass . area . This is a neat little axe in great condition with only a small amount of pitting on the reverse side and the bit has a few small nicks . The trademark was struck good and is very legible and overall the axe head is really nice and smooth . There is a nail pulling notch and a very small notch right at the underside tip of the bit that appears to be normal to this piece . Just above the trademark is the initials “GRH” and also appears on the wooden handle just below the axe head . I don’t know for sure but I would think they are the initials of a previous owner . ?? This handle is not the original one but it is a good solid handle . Examine all pics for condition . There is what appears to be a small crack on the back of the handle but it doesn’t appear to be deep at all , I think it may just be the nature of the wood used for the handle . There’s also a small hole just above the grip that I think is the result of some wood boring insect but it does not affect the integrity of the handle . Also you’ll notice the makeshift grip on the handle . Some previous owner wrapped nylon cord around the handle and fiberglassed it to the handle making an effective grip . Overall length is approximately 14 inches , the axe head is 5 inches long with a 3 1/4 inch bit and weighs approximately 1 pound , 12 ounces . This would be a great addition to your hatchet collection and a piece to just don’t see lying around anywhere ! Check out all pics , you won’t be disappointed with this piece !! This is NOT an AI generated description as I have inspected and documented this item myself !!😃 Happy shopping and thanks for shopping on my site !!😁 Please check out my other items and add me to your favorites list and follow my listings for more great items !!😊 Thanks for looking !!👀🇺🇸👍🏼