Pair of Vintage 1948 & 1949 Spiller Jersey Pattern Axes – Hand-Forged Oakland, Maine Edge Tools

This rare pair of mid-century felling axes features the sought-after Jersey pattern with prominent lugged shoulders, manufactured by the Spiller Axe & Tool Co. in Oakland, Maine. Stamped with their respective production years (1948 and 1949), this set showcases quintessential New England edge-tool forging.

• Heads & Markings: Single-bit Jersey pattern heads with deep side bevels and dropped poll lugs. Each head features crisp maker stamps indicating "SPILLER", "OAKLAND, ME", and date stamps "1948" and "1949". The forged high-carbon steel displays a clean, dark age patina with light surface character.

• Bits & Polls: Hand-profiled cutting bits with solid steel geometry, paired with clean, flat polls free from severe mushrooming or heavy impact damage.

• Handles / Condition: (Specify if sold as loose heads or fitted with hardwood hafts). Excellent vintage condition. Free from cracks, weld repairs, or major chips, retaining sharp profiles and legibly stamped date codes.

History

Oakland, Maine, was historically known as the "Axe Capital of the World," home to numerous renowned edge-tool foundries, including Emerson & Stevens, Spiller Axe & Tool Co., and King Axe Co. Operating throughout the 19th and mid-20th centuries, Oakland toolmakers were famous for using high-grade laminated steel and traditional trip-hammer forging techniques.

The Spiller Axe & Tool Co. was particularly famous for date-stamping their axe heads on the poll or cheek during the post-WWII era, making 1940s examples highly identifiable and sought after by collectors. The Jersey pattern—characterized by its distinct side lugs and wide bit—was the preferred style for New England loggers due to its exceptional stability and deep-cutting performance in dense hardwoods.

Dimensions

• Head Length (Poll to Cutting Edge): ~6.5 – 7.25 inches

• Cutting Edge Width (Bit): ~4.5 – 5.0 inches

• Poll Width: ~1.25 – 1.5 inches

• Individual Head Weight: ~3.5 lbs (Standard Jersey weight class)

• Total Weight (Pair): ~7.0 – 9.0 lbs (depending on handles)