Original British Pre-WWII British Rail Midland Marked Railway Axe by English Tools Ltd.

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a tremendous early 20th century British railway axe which has a tremendous patina, and great markings. This example was manufactured by English Tools, Ltd., which was founded in 1780 as “Bulldog Tools” in Wigan. By 1861, the company was already a manufacturer of spades, shovels, and hammers. The company changed its name to English Tools Ltd. in 1929.

The head of the axe is approximately 9¾” in length with an edge width of 3⅜”. The handle length is roughly 32”. The overall length is 34”.

The head shows heavy pitting from use & storage wear. The side of the head is stamped:

ENGLISH TOOLS LTD.
BR(M)

BR(M) denotes that the axe was in use by the British Rail Midland. The Midland was one of the largest railway companies in Britain in the early 20th century, and the largest employer in Derby, where it had its headquarters.

A tremendous axe with a gorgeous patina & its original handle. Comes ready for further research and display.