1910 Morley Murphy Hardware Company Boys Axe

FORGED BY: Kelly Axe Mfg. Co.
DATE FORGED: 1910's
HEAD WEIGHT: 3LBS
HANDLE LENGTH: 28"
AXE TYPE: Single Bit Michigan Pattern
RATING: Rustically restored
 
HISTORY
George W. and Edward W. Morley came to East Saginaw, Michigan, from Painesville, Ohio. They entered the hardware business with Anton Schmitz, who had a small hardware operation specializing in lumber tools.  Schmitz sold his company to the Morley brothers just before his death. In 1882, the Morley Brothers opened a new retail and wholesale store believed to be one of the largest structures ever built in the United States. It became the second largest hardware, wholesale and retail concern in the nation.  
 
In 1904 the Morley Murphy Hardware Company was started in downtown Green Bay Wisconsin by a cousin within the Morley family.  Wedgeway was the brand name line of tools for both Morley Brothers in Saginaw and Morley Murphy in Green Bay.  The M.M.H.Co. stamp being a specific tool made for and sold out of the Green Bay location. 
 
Morley Murphy continues to operate to this day, although they are no longer in the hardware business.  They have pivoted with the economy and now offer energy systems, manage realestate holdings and function as a philanthropic operation.
 
Morley Murphy didn't forge their own axes, they were outsourced to Mann Edge Tool Co. The Mann Edge family axe making dynasty started in the Pennsylvania area in 1770. The Mann Edge tool Company was formed and went on to become the world's largest axe maker and was in business into the late 1900’s.
 
ABOUT THIS AXE
The axe has detailed enamel work in the lettering and is hung on a handle made from an oak bourbon barrel stave.  The haft is finished with a light wipe of Vintage Axe Oil and the head with a dab of Vintage Axe Wax. 
 
This expertly restored, heirloom quality axe instantly turns heads and becomes the go-to conversation piece in your den, office or home.  Included with the purchase of the axe is a frame worthy writeup about its history.