This is an enticing example Capn! but I think you were wide to play it safe.
While I know very little on these boarding axes, I enjoy the opportunity to learn so did some quick research.
The haft seems of course replaced and too short for the fundamental use of these, which was apparently much longer, for use two handed as required and likely perhaps to have more reach to clear flaming debris?
I agree too that the metal condition does not seem to correspond to what one might expect from a weapon, munitions grade, produced in late 1700s.
Werent US weapons marked with US inside a square?
As you note the Tarbell JT (Joseph Tarbell inspector 1798-1815
The proper M1797 Type 1 examples I see have a blockish spike (almost square section), and this example has the teeth in a kind of drop down blade with teeth at the back.......on the actual ones the teeth are at the bottom of the normally extended blade of the head.
Not sure I explained that right, but first time out on this topic, which is a great one!!! Looking forward to other entries and CC, the call is out !
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