Canadian-Made True Temper Worlds Finest Axes
True Temper Canada
St. Catharines, Ontario
1950 – 1955*
True Temper Canada produced a version of the “True Temper Worlds Finest” axe, with a distinct two-line stamp starting in 1950. It was a short-lived regional extension of the famous “Kelly Worlds Finest” axe and “True Temper Worlds Finest Kelly Works” axe brands from the US.
Not a lot is known about the Canadian-made True Temper World Finest axes, but based on the limited evidence, I believe they were sold locally in Canada, for a short while.
However, they are far less common in Canada than better known True Temper Canada lines: the True Temper Lion and the True Temper Black Prince. So I suspect they may have only been made for a few years in the 50s before being discontinued.
The “Worlds Finest” name didn’t hold the same recognition in Canada as in other parts of the world, as earlier iterations weren’t sold here.
Exported Axes
Like earlier Canadian Kelly axes – they may have also been used for export internationally. And the export axes could have continued to be made until 1965, when True Temper Canada shut down.
However, I haven’t seen any clear examples of these, and I suspect they would need some sort of identification of being “Made in Canada”. American 2-line “Worlds Finest” stamps made for export that included “Made in USA”.
Observations of the Canadian True Temper Worlds Finest
Thanks to Exploring Axe History for consulting with me on this one.
The Canadian stamp is distinct with different fonts from the much more famous American three-line stamp, and is also different from an American 2-line stamp made for export.
I know production started around 1950 in St. Catharines, because I have seen one of these Worlds Finest axes with an additional “Welland Vale” stamp on the poll. I’m kicking myself for not getting a photo of that axe when I had the chance.
The extra “Welland Vale” stamps were used for a year or two after the Welland Vale Mfg Co. Ltd. changed its name to True Temper Canada in 1950. This was done to make sure they didn’t lose the trust and recognition of the long-standing Welland Vale name for their existing Canadian consumers.
That is also why I believe the axes were sold locally. The extra stamp was not needed for export axes, as the Kelly name was used internationally, and not Welland Vale.
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