Rare Antique - Triple Stamped Collins Legitimus - Adze Hammer – US Military WW1 For Sale

For sale is an antique bench adze hammer featuring a flat, unlipped finishing blade on one side and a square hammer poll on the other. This tool is triple-stamped with markings from the manufacturer, historic New York distributor, and U.S. Military.Historical ContextManufacturer Stamp: Stamped with the Collins & Co. "LEGITIMUS" logo, crown, and arm-holding-hammer mark, along with "Cast Steel Warranted" and "U.S.A." This was the premium line of the Collins Company, based out of Collinsville, Connecticut.Distributor Stamp: The left side of the head is stamped "BROMBACHER & CO. / 31 FULTON ST. N.Y." Established in 1760, Brombacher & Co. was a prominent multi-story hardware and cutlery supplier located near the Manhattan waterfront, widely known for supplying professional cooperage (barrel-making) and shipwright tools during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.Military Procurement Stamp: Deeply struck with a standalone "U.S." stamp, indicating this commercial tool was purchased by the United States government for military deployment. Most likely issued to a Navy shipyard or the Army Corps of Engineers around the World War I era.
Tool Details & ConstructionBlade Style: Unlipped, flat-edged blade designed for precision finishing work, hand-shaping, and smoothing the interiors of wooden barrels or timber.Handle: Original short wooden bench handle. It retains the original factory mounting configuration, using a mechanical through-bolt/threaded rod running through the center of the handle, secured by a nut at the pommel base to handle heavy downward pulling force.Dimensions: Please see the included photos with the tape measure for precise measurements of the head and total length.Condition: The tool is in original, untouched antique condition. It has not been re-handled, modified, or heavily ground down. The steel head has legible stampings on both sides with a natural aged patina and minor surface wear consistent with age. The wooden handle is structurally solid and fits tightly to the head with no wiggle or play. No cracks, welds, or modern alterations.Please review all high-resolution photos for the exact cosmetic and overall condition of this piece.Please feel free to reach out with any questions.