Adze
Description
This standard adze personifies the shipwrights trade. It is a single-edged cutting tool that has to be used vigorously with a chopping motion in shaping the timber. The double curved haft (or helve) gives the tool the essential balance without which the shipwright would find it unmanageable for his work needs. The helve, usually of ash or hickory, needs to be a good fit in the palm of the hand, it can be used in any direction without undue fatigue, and the shipwright has absolute control over his adze. The helve has an oval section, and this in the hand helps to control the blade. A shipwright would try not to polish the helve too much, because control would be lost with it swivelling in the hand. The peg poll was used for driving spikes or bolts below the surface when dubbing down.
On the blade is the inscription 'Rich & Thomas LTD' 'Cast Steel'. Above this lettering there are two crossed axes with 'crown warranted' written below them. It appears to also signify that this is a trade mark. Where the adze head meets the haft a dot pattern exists.
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Object Detail
Width: 321mm
Depth: 109mm (4 5/16")