All iron hatchet?

[canes2016]

While detecting in a stream near several cellar holes, came up with a very strong signal that resulted in finding, what I believe to be a hatchet? However, I can’t find information that would indicate when these were manufactured? Is it possible this is not a hatchet which, then begs the question, what is it?

Any thoughts?

 

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[taz42o]

Might be a log spud dont look like a hatchet .
A pic from the side might help with id.

 

[pa plateau hiker]

I agree with taz42o, It's a bark spud, used to remove bark from trees. Spuds come in different shapes and sizes.

 

[Tpmetal]

third on the bark spud

 

[canes2016]

Thanks to all, never heard of it before. Any idea what century they were used in?

 

[pa plateau hiker]

Late 1800's, early 1900;s. Around here they removed bark from hemlock trees for use in tanneries. They would leave the hemlock tree to rot as only the bark was needed. In later years, they did remove the hemlock log to make lumber from.

 

[canes2016]

Thanks, with the amount of stone and sediment on it, it looks like it was sitting in the stream for quite a long time.