Identifying a hatchet marked US

[Stewart D Underwood]

https://imgur.com/gallery/zRmnJtb
Picked this little hatchet up today at an antique store. It’s stamped US but that’s the only marking i can find. Its got a solid handle but its not the profile that I prefer. Anyone have any history on this type thing and know the year of manufacture and the maker? Might this handle be original or would it have had a more traditional handle? How would you restore it?

 

[John A. Larsen]

Looks like the standard head for a GI issued Hatchett. Mine was made by Mann in 1944, came in a canvas carrying pouch, that had the WWII type bent wire clip, that went into the eyelets of the web belt. Not sure if the handle is original as it looks a little different then mine, but thousands were made during WWII so there will be variations. Mine also has a OD (Olive Drab) painted handle. Someone with more specific knowledge should also come by. John

 

[FLINT77]

yeah, yours looks different from mine. I have a U.S. marked hatchet, also was painted olive drab at some point - only traces now.

Mine was made my american fork and hoe co. and is stamped 1945



here is the handle on mine