Vintage crash-axe marked "P".....

[gben]

I thought maybe the "P" could be a clue to it's manufacture. Bought from an old guy who was having a garage sale with his wife. He said it was off a bus. Shown next to a standard-size Collins single-bit for comparison.

 

[Hickory n steel]

I don't know, but the tempered thing is weird Because I only ever see that on shovels.
Why announce that it's tempered when axes are supposed to be ?
Anyways the handle looks nice and overall It doesn't seem like import junk.
I've seen this P stamp before but can't remember if it has been identified or not.

 

[jblyttle]

I've seen those marking a bunch of times, but on standard 3.5lb heads. I can't help on the maker, but my impression was always that they were budget oriented and not top quality, but not junk. They will certainly do the job when needed any time you want, but not your first choice for day in day out work.