This little ax was very deep and sound good. Once I dug the whole and knew it was iron I almost filled the plug. I'm glad I didn't. Is there a good reference book on early ax's ?
Looks like you found an oldie! I'm clueless about axes & hatchets though have dug & collected a few more recent ones --- BUT for sure I never saw one anything like like yours back in the 40's & 50's when my dad took us to the hardware store, nor did I see any like that in old ranching village in NM mountains where I lived more recently. Guessing yours is at least dating back to the 1800's or early 1900's. Looking forward to someone knowledgeable giving an i.d. on this little hatchet! HAVE FUN! Andi