What should I do with this? ("Richard Conover" axe head)

[blasto9000]

I can't seem to find much info about this brand via Googles. Any insight? I was planning to iron out all the nicks on the cheeks, joint the bits (by re-radiusing them on my mill), establish new bevels, and hang on a 30" House handle. I'm open to other suggestions. It's a 4 lb head.

The existing bevel is very "busy." I was thinking of smoothing out all the facets with a flap wheel. Is this a good or bad idea? Any recommendations on this front would be appreciated, whether it be "leave it alone" or "use a Norton 120 grit 8" flap wheel on a bench grinder."

Obviously looks are a reason why I want to smooth out the bevel, but I also want to Magnaflux it to check for cracks. As it is now, reading the Magnaflux is difficult due to the numerous deep scratches from previous sharpenings.

No particular purpose for this axe. Just want to get her ready for action.

 

[Steve Tall]

RICHARDS & CONOVER HARDWARE COMPANY
Kansas City and Oklahoma City

In 1924 there was an article about the company's 67th anniversary, so it must have been founded around 1857.

A copy of the 8-page article (published in the Implement & Tractor Trade Journal) appears at that auction site with the listing titled:
"1924 RICHARDS & CONOVER HARDWARE 67 YEAR ANNIVERSARY ARTICLE LEAVENWORTH KANSAS"

Here's the photo of the first page:

 

[300Six]

Grinding/milling/sanding, to me, is the equivalent of making a 64 Mustang more authentic via candy apple paint, bigger engine and Testosterone tires. Good luck with the sale.

 

[Square_peg]

I'd keep that one as is. Give it a protective coating and hang on to it or sell it.

 

[Operator1975]

Nothin much you can do with that one. The imprint is pretty far gone. Really whatever you want to do with it.

 

[blasto9000]

Thanks for the feedback all around. Reason I posted was to gauge this head's historical significance before doing anything irreversible.

I'll put it to the back of the projects queue for now. Have plenty of others to work on that are still being manufactured or are not rare.