Shingling Hatchet Appraisal

Vintage All-Steel Roofers Shingling Hatchet

This is a vintage all-steel roofing hatchet, likely dating from the mid-20th century. The tool features a solid one-piece steel construction, where the head and handle are forged from a single billet of metal. The head design is specialized, combining a broad cutting edge on the front with a flat striking poll on the back, and a distinctive deep notch in the lower beard of the blade used for nail pulling or shingle gauging. It measures approximately 12 to 14 inches in total length. The surface of the steel shows significant signs of age-appropriate use, characterized by a dark, heavy patina, pervasive surface oxidation (russeting), and various pits and scratches. The cutting edge appears dull and shows some minor chipping. A notable feature is the handle's grip, which consists of a stacked leather or composite material wrapped over the tang, though it has been heavily modified or repaired with black electrical tape or rubberized wrap to provide extra ergonomics or to secure a failing handle structure. No maker's mark is visible in the current photo due to the surface corrosion, but the design is consistent with early 20th-century American tool manufacturers like Vaughan or Plumb. Despite the wear, the tool remains a sturdy example of industrial-grade craftsmanship.