Well, even as I say this, I have a tendency to wax and wane!

. In looking back on the profile, your ax does slightly raise up on the top/flat plain of the head, which it should if it is the earlier pattern. Really, my only concern/question is on the langets. As I said, they are longer than typically seen. The eye is right, the pick/spike is right, the aging looks good, etc. Has anyone else seen longer langets like this on a boarding piece? I did see one vaguely similar in Rankin's 'Small Arms for the Sea Services' that was an American copy of the British. Now that IS exciting! I know, the arrow and BO symbol make it Brit, but it points to my theory that this is a private purchase, circa 1800-20's refitted haft. OK, I start to repeat myself. It's an intriguing piece and you have a collection to be envious of (based on your other postings and my love of all things naval/pirate!)