Nice one
So what's the plan, Dave?
My main plan is just to practice fitting a handle to an axe head, something I've not done before.
You wouldn't believe the trouble I've had trying to buy a hickory handle locally, every hardware shop I tried just gave me the usual blank or puzzled stare followed by the response of "just buy a new axe".
There's a large supplier named Axminster Tools who have a store 5 miles from where I live, I was told there that they don't sell them in store they are online order only!
Anyway, handle & wedges are ordered.
I should be able to fit the handle, batter in a wooden wedge, trim it down & give it a few coats of boiled linseed & white spirit.
My main problem is what to do with the head.
Leave it as is, polish it or paint it.
If I polish it up I might try a mustard powder & vinegar paste to give it a patina.
It'll probably take me longer to decide what to do than to actually do it.