Posted 8 years ago
Irishcolle…
(137 items)
I've always liked this little hatchet because of its shape and small size. The head is 4 inches long. At some time somebody replaced its handle with what looks like the arm of a very small chair. Somehow I think this makeshift handle suits rather well and now has a nice patina and feel to it.
Could be used for plumbing when lead was used.
Never thought of that, thanks.
I'm not sure if there was a right or wrong use for these but years ago I have seen them in basket makers work shops.
The reason I say plumbing is, the felt packing & over-run lead had to be trimmed. The hammer could be for tamping the felt in seams.
I see what you are saying Blunderbuss2 but never happened to do that. We okum packing and did our pour quarter inch low and used a collar so over run wasn't really an issue. I didn't intend to say it was specific to basket making, that is just where I happened to see them. Very well could have been bought at a yard sale by the basket maker and given a new job.
Could it be just one of those little household tools intended for general use?
That's too easy & obvious, Irish. LOL !