Trade Axe follow up after some electrolysis.

[PBR]

Last October i dug what i believe is a trade axe from a very early site in my area that dates back to the late 17th century.
French Marines and Canadians came here to claim this area for France and establish a trade route.

I have been a little slow getting around to doing electrolysis, and my setup is not very fast and efficient.
Yesterday i pulled it out of the tank and chipped away some rust. I wanted to post these new pics.
Im still struggling with some rust pockets, especially inside the hole where the wood would have been inserted
.
First 2 pics are before electro. Been wanting to do a follow up after getting it cleaned up a little.
Here is the old thread i started in October. http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/519198-did-i-just-dig-early-18th-century-trade-axe.html

So here is where i am at now. Still not 100% certain it is a trade axe, but it was definitely in the right area, and it does look like several examples that i have seen online.
Mid 17th century Spanish Cobs, French Coppers, a Jeton, Pre-1730 Compagnies Franches de la Marines buttons, Shoe buckles, and so much more have come from this site.

I wanted to post some new pics, because i know it was probably hard to Id this find when it was covered in rust.
Maybe these newer pics will help.

 

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[nhbenz]

It looks like a lathing hatchet to me, but I hope I'm wrong.

 

[gunsil]

I agree, looks like a more modern shingle hatchet.

 

[Finneas]

Nice find! Does look like a lathing hatchet...

 

[PBR]

It looks like a lathing hatchet to me, but I hope I'm wrong.

I have to admit i was a little afraid of that theory.
It definitely looks like it could be a lathing hatchet, and does not look like the more common trade axes for that period.
It even looks more like a lathing hatchet since i have gotten most of the rust off.
Most of the pics you see on the internet have a more round hole.
I have seen some trade axes that are shaped like pipes for smoking, and i thought this might be one of those, but there is no opening for the bowl.
Maybe this is just one of the scenarios when i want something to be something it isnt, but i still would love to hear what others have to say.

 

[BosnMate]

My first thought on the cleaned up head was shingle hatchet. Although I think you have an old one, because in the photo I think I can see some grain in the iron.