Claw hatchet

0011.10.11

The Manufacturing of claw hatchets dates back to 1845. They are considered to be the earliest factory made hatchets (Sloane, Eric. "A museum of early American tools." New York: Ballantine Books, 1964.)

Claw hatchet with doubled flared head and a claw at the opposite end for pulling out nails.

ca 1900

H-13.5 W-3.5 D-1 inches

A claw hatchet was useful for repairing roofs with cedar shakes. The claw pulled out the nails; the flared bit was used to split the new shingle to fit in place; the flat head could nail the shake. Claw hatchets were the first type of factory made hatchets beginning in about 1845.

Hatchets