[Jim McDougall]

I agree with Broadaxe, this is certainly not a makers mark, but a symbol which may have been intended to carry certain magical or talismanic properties. I am not especially well acquainted with axes, but this thing seems unusually large for a war axe and even more so as a tool.

As far as the marking, it is indeed in a sense quite possibly religiously based, as such marks typically were in early times, but may also have other symbolism.It seems like the letter 'G' appears at many points on the figure, which is situated in the configuration of a cross with many added arms at different angles. In many ways it resembles the 'anchor' which is a cross disguised with numerous added patibulum and serifs and seen on many Solingen blades (esp. with Spanish motto) of 18th c. and on many earlier Spanish blades.

On the other hand, it very much resembles a much earlier kind of marking in this kind of configuration known as a 'carroccium' which in actuality was a full size standard assembled on a wagon and used in Germany and N. Italy in medieval times (after mid 11th century). In these standards were religious devices and typically topped by a cross. Markings resembling these armed are known on some sword blades as early as 12th century (Oakeshott)but probably continued later and may have inspired the later 'anchor' type figures.

Again, not familiar with axes, nor the types of markings usually found on them, but it does not seem unreasonable to see such marks on various weapons in N.Europe. I would defer on the age of this piece to hands on examination. How long is the haft, if there is one on it?

Also, with response to the letter G, as well as the note to the 'Tree of Life", in esoterica such as gemetria and Cabbalistic lore, this letter is also associated to the Hebrew 'yod' which among its meanings represents the seed of the Tree of Life. Im not sure exactly how that would fit in here, but thought it would be worthy of note in examination of the mark.

All best regards,
Jim