Images(2)

Straight Adze

Date1750-1850

OriginAmerica or England

MediumIron, steel, and wood (new)

DimensionsOverall: 11 1/8 × 32 1/8 × 4 1/2 in (28.2 × 81.6 × 11.4cm)
Head: 11 1/8" x 4 1/2"

Credit LineBequest of Stephen C. Wolcott

Object number1936-401 (W)

DescriptionClassic form of the "pin poll" adze with a rectangular socket and an octagonal poll. Steel blade sharpened towards the handle side.Label TextA relative of the common axe, the adze has its blade turned 90 degrees, allowing the standing user to chop or shape wood set between his feet. Very often an adze was used to clean up the rough cuts of a hewing axe. The little projection opposite the blade was used to hammer obstructions like nails deep into the wood, so they wouldn’t damage the blade or interfere with the cutting action of the tool.ProvenanceFrom the collection of Stephen C. Wolcott (1876-1934) of Gloucester, Virginia.