Is this anything special or should i put a handle in it an use it?  I think it says Germantown.

Are you preparing to do some roofing?
Germantown is a well known mark.

I have not heard of the name, but it looks in near new condition. Either way, be it user, or collector, I would give it a good vinegar bath, wire wheel and buff job, and treat it to a new handle. With a name like Germantown, it has to be a keeper! Very Nice Find!

Wayne

Nice half hatchet.  Yeah, handle it up!

Personally I would clean that baby up, and add a handle. And of course put her to work!

There are bunch of 1/2 hatchet patterns, each a little different.
  The bigger ones that the cutting blade goes up well above the flat top are riggers hatchets.
Roofers ax for asphalt shingles, are a bit shorter and lighter weight, with a fatter head.
      This could be a roofers ax for wooden shingles.
But it might be a lathing ax for putting up lath (for lath n plaster work). 
  They are close patterns, but distinct.

  In any case, none of them as so valuable you won't want to just handle it up, and put it to work!
    yours Scott

 

Germantown is a well known section of Philadelphia

And I agree - most tools should be used.  My Stanley 55 is an essential part of my shop, not behind glass.

Thanks everyone.  It will have a handle in it by the end of the week.

A little late to the party here, but similar tools (with handles!) go for around $25 on ebay, so they're antiques in a sense, but not that rare.....