Vintage forged pickaxe on new House Handle hickory handle

Vintage forged double-point pickaxe head, fully de-rusted and mounted on a new House Handle Company hickory handle from Missouri. Cleaned, oiled, and waxed with the old forge texture and patina preserved – ready for garden work, trail building, or rustic décor.

Likely mid-20th century (exact decade unknown; Etsy requires a single decade, so I’ve selected 1950s as the closest match).

Dimensions

• Overall length: ~35in
• Head length (tip to tip): ~20 1/2in
• Weight: 7lb/8oz

Materials & restoration

• Old forged steel head; maker unmarked.
• Original heavy rust removed by electrolysis, followed by hand and power brushing.
• Finished with light oil and wax so it has a dark, even working patina rather than bright grinder scratches.
• No cracks noted in the eye or cheeks; both points are solid and dressed to a safe, blunt working profile (not razor-sharp).

The handle is a new hickory pick/mattock handle from House Handle Company (Missouri), fitted to the hourglass eye and secured with a wood wedge and metal step wedge. The handle is finished with boiled linseed oil and wax for a smooth, grippy feel and a warm, vintage look.

Condition

This is a working vintage tool, not a reproduction. Expect:

• Visible forge texture and old pitting in the steel
• Small dings and wear marks from past use
• Clean, stable surfaces with no active rust

All structure is sound and tight; there is no looseness between head and handle.

Ideal uses

• Actual digging, garden work, or trail building
• Mining / railroad / farm-themed décor in a shop, cabin, or barn
• Wall display in a rustic, farmhouse, or industrial interior

Care

• Wipe metal lightly with an oily rag if it gets wet or muddy.
• Refresh the handle once or twice a year with a light coat of boiled linseed oil or similar wood oil.
• Store indoors or under cover to prevent new rust.