Historical information
The splitter's axe was used to cleave timber apart into shingles or palings. A timber handle or haft would have been inserted through the socket. The cast iron blade was placed vertically into the timber end. The blade was then driven into the timber with a rough mallet while the haft was used to guide the split along the grain. As the timber split, the haft could be twisted to lever the two pieces apart. This tool is sometimes called a froe or frow.
Physical description
Machine made, painted black, cast. No handle. Shows signs of use. Socket warped
