Thanks all for your info and comments! Rk I think it looks most like that 19th century shipwrights axe, this makes since too, ya see my ancestor Samuel ward founded what is now called Marine City in 1821, because it was the perfect location too continue his career as a shipbuilder, it just so happens that after a little research I found out that his homestead was less than a block away from the property I found this axe head on and his estate encompasses the area I was searching! Although it is a very long shot its possible that I may have found my ancestors broad axe! Lol even though it's impossible to prove and probably unlikely, I am happy just thinking that i may have found a connection to my great great great great uncle Samuel lol!
thanks so much!
Maybe ask over in the relic hunting section,those guy's are pretty sharp at identifying objects. My guess,(and that's just what it is) is that it's a "rail splitting" axe head,or "rail splitter". I've heard of them,but never seen one. From what I've been told , that head was driven into a logs end,then a heavy hammer was struck against the back section,while one man held onto it,forcing it long ways down the log,splitting it for fence rails. Rail fences were the way to close in your property,in the early years. That's a great find!
