rare folding axe question

Webster Marble formed Gladstone Mfg. Co. in 1892. That company created the first folding Axe in 1893 which lead to the incorporation of Marble's Safety Axe Co. in 1898. The company became Marble Arms & Mfg. Co. in 1911 & enjoyed years of success until succumbing to a shut down of production in 1974. The brand was brought back to life in 1994 & enjoyed a grand rejuvenation that later gave way to another shutdown in 2009. Many great knives & tools were crafted over the company's storied history.
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bogey
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rare folding axe question

Post by bogey »

Need opinions on ebay listing sorry but computer and typing skills very limited.
listing title is Vintage gladstone mfg.co folding hatchet axe michaigan USA
picture is close to the pic in my book but not the same book says only 18 made
bidding $1500 with 4 days to go
thanks Bogey
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SwedgeHead
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Re: rare folding axe question

Post by SwedgeHead »

First thing that went through my mind was Marble's brand - Gladstone MI, maybe there is an affiliation.
Here is a quick link for others to the listing:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/176146313180?m ... media=COPY

And here are a couple others that came up with it too:
I was curious...
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ea42
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Re: rare folding axe question

Post by ea42 »

That was Webster Marbles' first business. He opened the Gladstone Manufacturing Co in a shed behind his house in 1892. He started making his famous gunsights there. In 1893 he developed that folding axe but had to close the business in that same year due to the economic depression that started that year so there were very few made. That's an incredibly historic piece, basically custom made by the man himself.

Eric
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SwedgeHead
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Re: rare folding axe question

Post by SwedgeHead »

ea42 wrote: Fri Jan 05, 2024 4:06 pm That was Webster Marbles' first business. He opened the Gladstone Manufacturing Co in a shed behind his house in 1892. He started making his famous gunsights there. In 1893 he developed that folding axe but had to close the business in that same year due to the economic depression that started that year so there were very few made. That's an incredibly historic piece, basically custom made by the man himself.

Eric
I DIG learning little nuggets of history like this, very kool and thank you.
I recently started up my own little Marble's collection making this more fun still.

Swedge
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1967redrider
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Re: rare folding axe question

Post by 1967redrider »

That is a rare piece, ol' Webster himself probably touched it.
Pocket, fixed, machete, axe, it's all good!

You're going to look awfully silly with that knife sticking out of your @#$. -Clint Eastwood, High Plains Drifter
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SwedgeHead
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Re: rare folding axe question

Post by SwedgeHead »

1967redrider wrote: Sat Jan 06, 2024 2:55 am That is a rare piece, ol' Webster himself probably touched it.
It would appear others agree with you, wow !
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1967redrider
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Re: rare folding axe question

Post by 1967redrider »

I hope someone bought it and will put it on display in a Marble's exhibit, truly a piece of knife history.
Pocket, fixed, machete, axe, it's all good!

You're going to look awfully silly with that knife sticking out of your @#$. -Clint Eastwood, High Plains Drifter
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