Explain This Axe??

[TeeDee]

I've just returned from a Little R&R across the pond and whilst in Vancouver visited the Capilano Suspension Bridge ( http://www.capbridge.com/ ).

One of the displays detailing the history of the previous owners and history of the area consisted of some Logging and Lumber Tools.

So , can anyone explain to me how the following tool was used , by whom and for what purpose ?? Now its obviously to mark the/a object ( most probably , although not necessarily timber ) with the Individual Characters , which are embossed to the Hand axe in Reverse so that they will appear , once struck , in the correct order.

From the Phots its visible but not obvious that the Handle is actually made from Metal also.

So its obvious that is for individual marking of something , but what ?
Just interested in some more information if possible.

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[Tjurved]

It for making one owners mark on the end grain of fresh lumber logs.

 

[Mesquite]

I think it's a tagging axe for marking cut logs so the mills can keep a track of which felling company supplied the wood

 

[palace]

Heated and used to brand logs or timber to denote logger or company, unlikely to be used on an animal

 

[Shewie]

I missed those when we were there, mind you it was raining sideways so we didn't take too much in

 

[TeeDee]

It for making one owners mark on the end grain of fresh lumber logs.

I had the same thoughts ( although admit to declare I feel I know nothing of the logging industry ) that Lumber jacks could drop a tree and then 'tag' it before sending it down river and eventually getting paid??

If thats the answer...

 

[wingstoo]

I found something similar on Ebay USA and it is a logger brand...

http://cgi.ebay.ca/LOGGING-LOGGER-A...039?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item231227c2df