Plumb Roofing Hatchet Value Guide

The Plumb Roofing Hatchet is a quintessential American tool from the early 20th century, prized for its dual-purpose design that allowed roofers to cut shingles and drive nails with a single implement. These hatchets are highly collectible due to Plumb's reputation for high-quality forged steel and the distinct patina found on tools used during the era of asphalt and wood shingle expansion.

What affects the value of Plumb Roofing Hatchet?

• The clarity and legibility of the Plumb maker's mark significantly impact the tool's market price.
• Overall condition of the forged steel, specifically the absence of excessive mushrooming on the hammer face or deep pitting.
• Originality of the hickory handle; replaced or modern handles generally lower the value for collectors.
• The presence of the original nail-pulling notch and the sharpness of the shingle-cutting edge.

How to Identify Plumb Roofing Hatchet?

• Look for the 'Plumb' brand stamp etched or stamped directly into the side of the forged steel head.
• Identify the specific notched blade design intended for shingle cutting and nail removal.
• Check for the original short-style hickory wood handle, which is characteristic of the 1900-1950 production era.
• Verify the presence of a hammer face opposite the cutting edge, showing signs of hand-forged construction.

History of Plumb Roofing Hatchet

Roofing hatchets, also called shinglers’ hatchets, date to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when asphalt and wood shingle roofing became widespread. Makers like Plumb, True Temper and other tool firms produced dual-purpose heads combining a cutting blade for shingles, a hammer face for setting nails, and notches or claws for nail pulling. Carpenters and roofers prized the compact combination of hammer and hatchet for speed on steep roofs; many surviving examples show heavy use, patina and maker stamps that appeal to collectors.