clean & clear markings, yet unable to find a thing on these broad axe manufacturers? Help?

[Anson Barthold]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/swlwGl0jEaK9c36z1
https://photos.app.goo.gl/sRBUy9RihfrWtxri1
After months of attempting to find any information on the pair of names present on this unique hewing axe, I'm ready to throw in the towel and just say that some questions simply aren't ment to be answered.
That being said, I figured I'd post some photos here on the off chance that it might be recognized by someone with more experience than myself.

 

[300Six]

The beauty of a permanent legible stamp is someone will know or be able to track it down. Matter of fact my 'crystal ball' tells me you'll get an answer from resident wizard Steve Tall in short order. The guy is amazing! My search for J J Spencer through the catalogue of Canadian axe makers from 1820-1920 didn't yield anything.

 

[Anson Barthold]

It took me a while to think to broaden my search parameters to outside the continental US, but even that move failed to reveal any information. I simply exhausted all the resources in regards to vintage axe manufacturing I'm aware of. I think my frustrations at continuing to come up empty only served to hinder my search further honestly.

 

[Steve Tall]

The most I found was a mention of a J.J. Spencer as the president of a blacksmith's group (Capitol Blacksmiths) in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This was from a 1912 book.

The Blacksmiths Journal: Official Organ of the International Brotherhood of Blacksmiths, Volume 14, 1912

 

[Anson Barthold]

About as much detail as I managed to russel up, I do sincerely appreciate the time & energy in assisting in this endeavor though my kind friend, please make no mistake in thst

 

[garry3]

That looks like a damn fine axe. Whats the first word before JJ Spencer?

 

[Steve Tall]

That looks like a damn fine axe. Whats the first word before JJ Spencer?

I think it could be another name, one guess is
J. ROUSEL & J.J. SPENCER

 

[Anson Barthold]

It's a brilliant old broad, I absolutely love the rather different shape of it & the fact it rings out like a damn bell loud, strong & long when struck. I've myself not seen it's March, but I was suchs on *House or *Crouse or similar as to the first set of hands so maybe with a new working possibility I may uncover something yet. I was just so frustrated that I could not see anything any longer, I am glad I took the chance and came here. I'm going to take a bucke more photos and post them up shortly btw.

 

[Sharp_Canadian]

There’s a name Prouse(which is what I think I’m seeing) that’s prominent in areas of Ontario.

 

[Steve Tall]

Maybe it's related to the camera angle and corrosion, but I'm seeing a dot/period and some extra space before the "ROUSE...(?)", like there's a separate initial before it, similar to the dot/period (and spacing) between J and SPENCER.

 

[Sharp_Canadian]

Looking at it in a larger screen there is definitely a ‘.’ Separating the first two letters.

 

[Anson Barthold]

I've always presumed there to be a intital before the first name. I also personally think that there is an intentional stamp between the sets of names, my best guess is a vague bird like impression

 

[Steve Tall]

...an intentional stamp between the sets of names, my best guess is a vague bird like impression

I believe that is meant to be an "ampersand" symbol -- & -- like the one separating the two names stamped on this old broad axe from another thread, SOWERS & SMITH.

from https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/help-with-identifying-an-antique-broad-axe-cast-steel.1563140/

 

[Anson Barthold]

"&"
I can absolutely see that, now I feel silly. I do sincerely appreciate the ad-hoc education tho my good sir