Vintage grass hook

Vintage Atkins “Perfection” grass hook from Indianapolis with the original offset hardwood handle. Cleaned, stabilized, sharpened, and finished for either light garden use or as handsome rustic wall decor.

Detailed description

Tool

• Maker: E.C. Atkins & Co., Indianapolis, Indiana
• Model: “Atkins Perfection” Grass Hook (embossed on handle) – the Perfection pattern handle appears in Atkins catalogs and farm-supply ads in the early 1900s–1920s. 
• Type: Single-hand grass hook / hand sickle with cranked, offset handle (keeps knuckles off the ground)

Dimensions

(Replace with your exact measurements before listing.)

• Overall length: approx. 18 in
• Blade length (along the curve): approx. 14 in
• Handle length: approx. 6 3/4 in

Condition

• Original hardwood handle with ATKINS PERFECTION / GRASS HOOK / INDIANAPOLIS, IND. stamp still clear and readable.
• Hairline cracks around the ferrule and along the handle have been stabilized; no looseness in normal use.
• Blade shows attractive dark patina with scattered pitting, mostly away from the very edge. No cracks or repairs in the steel.
• Cutting edge is sharp along the working portion of the curve and ready for light, sensible use.

Restoration work performed

All work by Moab Maverick Tools, preserving as much original character as possible.

• Stabilized hairline cracks around the ferrule and along the handle with thin CA glue, wicking into the cracks and cleaning any squeeze-out.
• Removed loose rust with a hand wire brush, then scrubbed the blade with 3M maroon pad and WD-40 to stop active corrosion while keeping the original patina.
• Sharpened and dressed the blade, then deburred the back with a stone for a usable edge.
• Hand-sanded the handle with 320-grit paper to smooth the surface without erasing the stamped markings.
• Finished metal with Ballistol and a combination of paste wax protective sheen.
• Finished the handle with Tried & True oil plus beeswax for a warm, low-sheen feel.

Suggested uses

• Functional: light grass, weeds, or garden edging for someone who appreciates traditional tools.
• Decorative: rustic wall display in a farmhouse kitchen, potting shed, garden room, or tool collection.
• Gift: excellent piece for a homesteader, gardener, or vintage tool collector.

Care

A printed care sheet from Moab Maverick Tools is included. In brief: keep the tool clean and dry, occasionally refresh the oil/wax on the steel and handle, and avoid leaving it outdoors between uses.

Dating note

E.C. Atkins advertised their Perfection pattern grass hook and handle design in early-20th-century catalogs and seed-house catalogs, typically alongside other hand sickles and garden tools. 

Highlights (bullet points for Etsy)

• Vintage Atkins “Perfection” grass hook from Indianapolis, Indiana
• Original offset hardwood handle with clear embossed maker’s mark
• Blade cleaned of loose rust, preserving dark patina and character
• Edge sharpened and dressed for light, sensible garden use
• Handle cracks stabilized internally with thin CA glue; solid in the hand
• Finished with Ballistol, Tried & True oil, paste wax, and beeswax
• Classic early-1900s American farm and garden tool
• Ready to hang as rustic wall decor or keep in the garden shed
• Includes printed care sheet from Moab Maverick Tools
• One-of-a-kind piece; photos are of the exact tool you’ll receive