L W 8.75" Cleaver / Splitter Hand Forged Carbon Steel Turned Handle USA? French? 19th / Early 20th C

Marked only L W with a small stamp on ricasso near handle, hand forged carbon steel blade with iron ferrule turned wood (hickory?) handle and small slotted threaded buttcap. Cleaver has a fresh edge but the existing patina has been left on as it is really nice, this was definitly used plenty but with out abuse. Handle has a few old nicks to the grooved wood but is tight and secure with no wiggles or bad smells. 

A very nicely made cleaver here, the blade has a French shape to it but the handle reads more American. 

8.75" cutting edge, 4.5" at widest point of blade, 16.5" overall 45.12 oz