18TH century. Forged iron 11 7/8” length. Iconic form with flared bit, flat on the left side for timber facing. The right side with four marks, three shield-shaped, one repeated. This form probably used in the 17th century and through the 19th. This example is dated 18th century, probably mid, by the maker’s marks which accord with those found on trade axes. The construction as well is indicative of that period with a hardened steel edge forged on to the wrought iron body which bears lamination/seam marks. Stable old oxidized surface.
