Old Adze - any value?

I'm not a tool person, so I'm not sure about selling this. A friend dropped it off for me to research because he doesn't have internet. The handle is 30". Pretty worn out, but again, I know nothing about old tools.

 

Just a guess but I'd say it is worth less than the cost of shipping it anywhere.

 

I think he's going to put it on Craigs List. He's on disability and wants to try and sell a few things. Most of what he shows me I give him $5-$10 for and bring to the dump.

 

It's worth about that to someone who will use or just display it.

 

We have sold a couple of these on eBay. George removed the handle and we just sold the adze head. He got $30.00 for each of them.

 

It could be an old railroad adze......there are tool collectors out there......& it could serve as a decor item too.

If you dump this.....tell me which dump......as I'm already at one admiring one of Brads paintings....

 

LOL. No, I won't dump this. Old magazines that are falling apart, yes. I'll tell him to list on Craigs List for $30. Maybe he'll get $20. He'll probably be happy with that.

 

Looks like a mattock with the pick broken off.

 

Check for a maker's mark. Generally found on the inner (concave) part of the blade on this tool, but not always. There may also be a railroad mark which could be anywhere, although generally on the side.

A little sandpaper and wire brush should bring them up easily if they are there.

The right mark could make it a fairly valuable piece.

 

We did have a railroad in town. It's now a bike trail. He came by and picked it up. I'll call him and tell him what you said about the marks. He really needs the money. He wanted to sell it to me for $20, but I don't have the time to sell any more.