Question for racing axe enthusiasts.

**goodvibes** · 9th October 2017, 06:39 PM

Sorry no photos at this time.

I called in to a fellow in South Gippsland to pick up some tools (despite what my wife thinks I DONT have enough).

He pulled out a pressed iron box to show me. The thing looked a bit like those American construction workers' lunch boxes, rectangular with a domed lid.

He'd found it at the tip, which as we will see is rather sad.

Inside were personal effects of W.J. (Jim) Caldwell. Personal correspondence included letters from Jack O'Toole, a reminder letter confirming the time for filming the Channel 7 World of Sport wood chop, and an advertising flier for a high stakes wood chop to be held in Tasmania (which I believe Caldwell won). Late 1960s.

The new owner (or custodian perhaps), had established that this small box was Caldwell's special treasures which had been taken with him into a nursing home. Which he never left.

There's not much info on this guy, except that he was right up there with the best axemen.

So getting to the question. Also inside the box was an axe head with a piece of broken handle sticking out of it. Fairly grubby, but I'm pretty sure it was a Hytest Forged Tools 4&1/2.

Is it at all conceivable that this axe could have been used for racing? Seems a bit small and dainty compared to my limited knowledge of racing axes. But if not, why would a top flight racing axeman choose to include it in his small stash of special possessions going with him on his last move?

**ian** · 10th October 2017, 02:28 AM

To answer the "if not" part -- the small axe head may have formed part of a trophy

**hiroller** · 11th October 2017, 05:58 PM

Hytest certainly made racing axes but they are generally bigger than 4 1/2. They usually have a head that is pinned onto the handle (to prevent the head flying into the crowd).
Here is some info on the Caldwell family: Caldwell Family - Victoria | Australian Axemen's Association

**goodvibes** · 11th October 2017, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by hiroller

Hytest certainly made racing axes but they are generally bigger than 4 1/2. They usually have a head that is pinned onto the handle (to prevent the head flying into the crowd).
Here is some info on the Caldwell family: Caldwell Family - Victoria | Australian Axemen's Association

Thanks for the info.

I think this one is going to end up as one of life's little mysteries.

Next time I am nearby I'll take another look at that head. I have had a few in my hands in different brands over the years marked 4&1/2 that actually weighed in comfortably over 5lbs, and have had a suspicion that they may have been custom jobs.

Anyhoo. I have suggested to the fellow that what he has is precious, but not necessarily valuable so it might be best just to keep it - an answer he seemed to welcome.

**John.G** · 6th November 2017, 09:35 PM

Kinda late but it might have been a "tree axe".

Lot of choppers prefer a smaller axe for the tree events. Bit easier to balance on a springboard with them.

And of all your axes your tree axe is the most prized: its the hardest event to win.

**goodvibes** · 13th November 2017, 08:25 PM

Originally Posted by John.G

Kinda late but it might have been a "tree axe".

Lot of choppers prefer a smaller axe for the tree events. Bit easier to balance on a springboard with them.

And of all your axes your tree axe is the most prized: its the hardest event to win.

Thanks John.

I don't think this one will have an answer. The provenance for the correspondence is unimpeachable. The hardware less so. Many possibilities, including that a well meaning person inserted an axe head, any axe head, in the package. Equally, that it was a special one he chose to take with him himself.

If it were mine I'd probably go looking for the family. Or just keep it and treasure it for whatever it is.

Cheers.

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