Photos Wisconsin (Felling/Trade?) Axe Head

[seevtastic]

So I dug this axe head up out of the ground along an old and now abandoned railroad spur that ran between Grand (Wisconsin) Rapids and where it original stopped just short of Arpin, WI. I believe there were two brothers (surname Arpin) that logged the general area. Anyways here is what it looks like... I can make out what looks like an "MM"... After that it gets rather difficult to discern what it says due to pitting. Any help identifying this is appreciated!!! I'm guessing late-1800s to early-1900s?

https://flic.kr/p/2smdzWz

https://flic.kr/p/2smdM9v

https://flic.kr/p/2smeV8A

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

The shape looks modern., Looking at those pics, it is hard to say, if it was one piece of tool steel, had overlaid or, even, inlaid bit. Could you post top down pictures of the eye, please. The shape of the eye, how it was constructed could help us a little bit.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Looks like a common 20th century Michigan pattern.

 

[seevtastic]

The shape looks modern., Looking at those pics, it is hard to say, if it was one piece of tool steel, had overlaid or, even, inlaid bit. Could you post top down pictures of the eye, please. The shape of the eye, how it was constructed could help us a little bit.

Here's an image.

Also, I've been able to see MM possibly an MMHCo.? Would this be a New England pattern? The top is pretty straight to be Michigan?

https://flic.kr/p/2smeX5L

 

[crbnSteeladdict]

As H&S stated; it looks like Michigan pattern. Sorry I was looking for much smaller maker's mark . Now, I can see those big, etched letters!! Morley-Murphy Hardware Company
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/m-co-wedgeway-embossed-hatchet-axe-4641419490
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-morley-murphy-wedgeway-m-co-3733104198

 

[Hickory n steel]

The top is pretty straight to be Michigan?

Compared to a modern distorted Michigan maybe, but this is pretty typical of what the Michigan pattern used to look like, and remember that a lot of the toe on the bit of this axe is worn away.
It would have had a little more upward sweep to it originally .

 

[seevtastic]

As H&S stated; it looks like Michigan pattern. Sorry I was looking for much smaller maker's mark . Now, I can see those big, etched letters!! Morley-Murphy Hardware Company
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/m-co-wedgeway-embossed-hatchet-axe-4641419490
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-morley-murphy-wedgeway-m-co-3733104198

Compared to a modern distorted Michigan maybe, but this is pretty typical of what the Michigan pattern used to look like, and remember that a lot of the toe on the bit of this axe is worn away.
It would have had a little more upward sweep to it originally .

Thanks guys! Those links nailed it. Unfortunately the pitting is pretty heavy on the stamped cheek. What would you recommend doing with it at this point? Keep it as it or continue restoring?

 

[Hickory n steel]

There's really nothing to lose at this point, but I don't think it'll ever really be a good user again because the pitting is way too deep.

 

[garry3]

I suspect an over laid steel bit because I think I see the line on the less rusty side of the axe a few inches from the heel and the thin eyes are common in that type of axe.
If so, probably not much steel left at the toe.

 

[Square_peg]

I suspect an over laid steel bit because I think I see the line on the less rusty side of the axe a few inches from the heel and the thin eyes are common in that type of axe.
If so, probably not much steel left at the toe.

That was my thought as well.