North Carolina

The North Carolina pattern is distinguished by having lugs (or ears) and an elongated cheek/blade. It is similar to both the Jersey pattern and the Kentucky pattern, but the cheeks/blade extend further than either. In some instances, the height of the cheek at the union of the lugs and the beard is shorter than the height of the poll. This gives an appearance resembling the European Turpentine pattern. The poll may be flattened or rounded depending on the manufacturer.    

The pattern seems to have originated in the late 1800s in response to the Naval Stores/Turpentine industry which was for some time the main industry of North Carolina. In the original form of production, a boxing/turpentine pattern axe was needed along with a standard axe. The North Carolina pattern is a combination of these two tools, indicating an evolution from two axes into one.

(As always, please remember that there is significant variance in the patterns made by different manufacturers, and this description is merely a guide for assistance in identification.)