Broad/Hewing axe identification

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Yare yare daze

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So to cut to the chase, I paid $50 for this hewing axe head, it's 9 lbs and 14 inches tip to tip. I don't know how far I could get trying to identify a maker but it does have some markings. What I'm most interested in, if it's possible to know, was it forged by hand or machine? I think it could be by hand (though I'm a newbie to blacksmithing), also I have to wonder if it's in usable condition.
The older gentleman who sold it to me said he repaired a couple cracks with a welder and grinder but I still see a small crack on the eye. I have never hewn lumber with an axe so I'm not sure how much stress the head is put under, if it's safe to use I would, but I would much rather do what it takes to repair it before I cause serious damage.

I recall the seller saying it was vintage, which would make sense, but if it could actually be more of an antique then I would feel obligated to take extra special care with it. It would be a shame to keep it as just a wall hanger I feel, but I can pick up a newer hewing head if it means preserving a part of history..

Thanks for any opinions on the matter.
 
It's factory made and it's been through a fire. It's pretty worn. Not an exceptional example other than the size if it's really 9 lbs and 14" - that's very large.

You should feel free to treat it however it pleases you.
 
Thanks SP! I really want to use it, so I'm glad to have the encouragement.
I've seen a hewing head with a reversible handle for right and left-handed use, since I've never hewn before I'd like to try both and I'd imagine the work would be easier that way, but until now I was too afraid at the thought of splitting the crack any further when wedging in a handle.

What did you see that makes you say it's factory made or has been through a fire?
At first I thought it may be the color of the metal, since it is dark, but it's pretty clean feeling.. Then on second thought, I realized maybe it's ?THE FACT IT WAS CRACKED? Hahaha
I don't really know what to look for to tell those kinds of things though so if you could explain your reasoning, it would also be much appreciated.

To be honest I've read so many other threads that you've chimed in on with great info, so I already trust your opinion, but I'm very curious what to look for to take a guess at the life of an axe head. Any threads you could recommend on here that discuss methods to this madness?
 
The shape of the eye and overall appearance is factory. It looks a lot like the eye of my Kelly, which also has the CCC stamp. The CCC stamp also dates it.

The redness involved in the pitting is typical of a burned axe. We had a recent thread on burned axes and several of us commented on these traits in burned axes.
 
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