We had a visitor bring in an object for identification and we are not sure what it would have been used for.  It is a small ax (approximately 10 inches long).  It has a wood handle and a small metal head.  Stamped into the metal where the ax and handle come together is “Atlas/ Troy/ ?.C.H./ U.S.A./ J”.  It was dug up in a river bed here in Gaston County, NC.  The owner was wondering if it was possibly a tool carried by a soldier in case they needed to chop off tree branches for firewood, or similar tasks.  Because the head of the ax is small it could not be used for any large job.  I have photos if you would like me to email them to you.

Thanks for your help.

Stephanie Haiar
Curator of Collections
Gaston County Museum of Art & History 
131 W. Main St. 
PO Box 429
Dallas, NC 28034
704-922-7681 x. 104
704-922-7683 (fax)

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