Vintage Blish, Mize & Silliman Embossed Single Bit Axe – 28.5" Custom Hand-Carved Handle

This fine vintage single-bit felling axe features the sought-after embossed logo from the historic Blish, Mize & Silliman Hardware Company. Featuring prominent raised lettering stamped "HAND MADE" on the cheek, this mid-century New England/Midwestern pattern axe comes mounted on a custom 28.5-inch hand-carved hardwood handle.

• Head & Embossed Markings: Forged high-carbon steel single-bit head featuring crisp, bold embossed lettering reading "BLISH, MIZE & SILLIMAN" and "HAND MADE". The metal displays an authentic dark charcoal age patina, fine forging texture, and light surface character.

• Custom Handle: Outfitted with a custom 28.5-inch hand-carved hardwood haft featuring an ergonomic grip, hand-shaped palm swell, and tight grain orientation for optimal shock absorption and swing balance.

• Condition: Excellent vintage condition. The head is securely wedged to the handle, and the bit retains solid steel mass with a clean cutting edge free from major chips, cracks, or weld failures.

History

Founded in 1871 in Atchison, Kansas, the Blish, Mize & Silliman Hardware Company was one of the premier wholesale hardware distributors serving the American Midwest and Western frontiers throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries.

To supply logging operations, farmers, and tradesmen with top-tier tools, Blish, Mize & Silliman contracted leading American axe foundries (such as Kelly Axe & Tool Co. and Mann Edge Tool Co.) to produce their high-end "HAND MADE" line. Axes featuring embossed raised lettering—rather than simple surface stamps—required specialized drop-forge dies, making embossed Blish, Mize & Silliman tools particularly rare and prized among vintage hardware and forestry collectors today.

Dimensions

(Note: Verify exact head weight before listing)

• Overall Length (with Handle): 28.5 inches

• Head Length (Poll to Cutting Edge): ~6.75 – 7.5 inches

• Cutting Edge Width (Bit): ~4.25 – 4.75 inches

• Poll Width: ~1.25 – 1.5 inches

• Head Weight: ~3.25 – 3.5 lbs

• Total Weight (Head & Handle): ~4.8 lbs