" The President's Axe " by Maine Axe Maker John King Hatchet Knife Early 1900's

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" The President's Axe " by Maine Axe Maker John King Hatchet Knife Early 1900's:
$25000.00

" The President's Axe " by Maine Axe Maker John King Hatchet Knife Early 1900'sThe "President's Axe" made for Teddy Roosevelt by Maine axe maker John King. When President Roosevelt was campaigning in Maine in 1902, King presented Roosevelt with an ingenious "axe" which was more hatchet, but when the handle was unscrewed revealed a knife.100% authentic. Displays light / normal wear as pictured. The axe handle is made of oak, the knife handle is made of walnut. This example is a later version since there are no markings on the knife blade. An early version would have been stamped " King & Roy " on the knife blade. These axes were made at least until 1909. Although the location of the original hunting axe presented to President Roosevelt isn't known, there are thoughts of less than 10 of these that exist.An example of "THE PRESIDENT'S HUNTING AXE" as produced by the King Axe & Tool Company of Oakland, Maine. Twenty-Sixth U.S. President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was reportedly visiting the State of Maine on a hunting trip when he stopped for a tour of the works of the King Axe & Tool Company. Knowing of the impending visit, the powers that be at King Axe made a special hatchet and knife combination tool and presented it to the President during his visit. The Company later produced a limited number of replicas of that presentation axe. This particular hatchet head & knife blade is not marked, although some examples of the knife blade are marked " King & Roy ". Less than ten examples of this combination tool are known to exist.

When the President’s train pulled into Waterville, John King’s axe was presented to him by William T. Haines. According to an account in the Pittsburgh Press on September 30, 1902:

“The President made a few remarks in acceptance, smiled as though he was much pleased with the gift, and waved his little axe triumphantly at the crowd as the train pulled out. Since then John King has received a letter conveying the thanks of the President, and of this he is very proud.”

So enamored of this unique “axe,” T.R. had his secretary send a note to John King asking that another one to be sent to his son Kermit who was attending school at Groton.

King Axe then began producing “The President’s Hunting Axe.” Some of these were marked “KING” on the knife blade. A paper label calling it a “Sportsman’s Axe” was put on some others.

Sources: Tom Lamond, “The President’s Hunting Axe w/Knife in Handle,”Fine Tool Journal; “John King, Oakland, ME Who Made the Hunter’s Axe, Presented to President Roosevelt,”Lewiston Journal Illustrated, August 30, 1902, "Hunting Axe for President,"Pittsburgh Press, September 30, 1902. All collected in Art Gaffar’sAxe and Edge Tool Makers of Maine(August, 2018 ed.)