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Message:: [QUOTE="Steersman, post: 387421, member: 239"]      You've found a pretty typical hatchet head.   Anywhere from decades to centuries old.  There are many configurations, but yours, like most, would work just fine for nailing shingles as it would for butchering chickens.     My guess is that it's a blacksmith-made, wrought iron piece.  It's also possible that it's a heavily-corroded. machine-forged steel head.   A discreet spark test would answer that question.     I've un-headed a lot of hatchets.  (Broken-off heads are cheaper at auctions.)  Most, but not all have some sort off metal tightening wedge.  The number one thing I've found by far, are the snapped-off ends of hand files.  (I've always found this a little odd.)  The next most common are wood screws, square nails and such.     It is of course your property and you may do with it as you will.   I feel a certain responsibility to old tools, as far as doing the least amount of damage.  After that it's preservation and finding it a good home.     My rule is to avoid acids on metals, particularly steel or iron.  You'll do a lot less damage with a wire brush and some elbow grease.   With patience and a gentle touch, maker's marks and clues to manufacture can often be discovered.  (I'm pretty sure a good mark could be found on the head pictured by i need help.)        [/QUOTE]