Research

This marking adze is an axe (1) with hammer - to be distinguished from the marking hammer of a lumberman - bearing the stamp of the owner of the forest or of the timber merchant. The forest ranger in particular uses this hand tool to mark trees (2). On the base or at about 1.20 m, a piece of bark is cut away with the ax and the stamp is struck on the white spot. Felled trees are marked on the cross-section, the ax is then useless. Conversely, sometimes only a strip of bark is cut off and then the stamp is not used; in the latter case, any ax can be used. [MOT] (1) Marking adze or marking axe. Both names are given synonymously for marking hammer (SALAMAN: 229). (2) The percussion stamp is rarely used for this (see, however, CHERBLANC who speaks of a broche à timbrer).

The timber scribe is used to mark trees to be felled by cutting a strip of bark, also to indicate - when unloading a ship - the number of beams of a raft (1). The timber scribe has a metal blade with a U-shaped end and a wooden or horn handle of 10-15 cm. One side of the U is sharp (cf. clog maker's scribe, beam scribe, rubber tapping knife). Some timber scribes have a foldable blade and some sort of plate to protect the hand. See also the hoof cleaning knife. [MOT] (1) JANSEN: 117.