Damaged Boarding Axe?

[mgolab]

Thanks Mark.

Terrible that someone would sand it down.

I am hopeful that the "shield mark" will provide some further clues here. Or perhaps that mark is too far gone to shed any further evidence. I do feel that the shield mark is some sort of inspection or proof mark? and not just a maker's mark. I know that Maryland Committee of Safety muskets bore a tulip inspection mark. Perhaps something along those lines....or a City mark?

If anyone has further thoughts on the shield mark, I would really appreciate to hear insight.