Hatchet
 

Picked this up from a consignment store in Wayland MA, which is about 8 miles from Concord. There was also an entrenching tool, like a mattock.

The axe is similar to light infantry hatchets. A very similar one was excavated at Crown Point, NY.

Some interesting markings on my axe, including "hash marks" on the poll-sometimes seen on bayonets, halberds and musket parts of the 18th century. Perhaps a "4".

Blade length is 6 inches. 3.5 inches cutting edge. 1.5 pounds.

I added the hickory haft.

Nice utility axe.:) Markings are rather unclear.

So ... not a weapon ?

No, definitely not a weapon but a wood cutting and splitting tool.

The overall shape of the blade and the butted poll quite clearly show what it is and how it was used.|

(And no, the poll did not not become butted from bashing hard-headed enemies on the battlefield. ;) )

So let's see how it goes in Miscellania Forum !

Have you read this? ~
https://www.furtradetomahawks.com/fa...pros---17.html

If you click on the menu there's 31 pages of Hawk/Hatchet information.

.