john wrote on Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:14:30 +0100:

> Its pretty ancient probably from about 1910 or so.

> Some think it's a woodworking tool or similar, and others
> think its a butchers cleaver, although some think not, because
> butchers cleavers are usually much bigger and you can see from
> the photo it's really quite small. it also has the number 6
> stamped on the blade. anyone any idea what its original
> purpose was likely to be? thanks.

Looks like a butcher's tool but do a Google search on

adze cleaver

and you will find that they are sometimes synonyms for a woodworking
tool rather like a broad bladed axe. (I could almost imagine a medieval
executioner using one.)

--

James Silverton
Potomac, Maryland

Email, with obvious alterations: not.jim.silverton.at.verizon.not