Is this a WWII USN "Raft" hatchet?

[avigo]

I bought this hatchet on ebay. I was told it was a USN raft hatchet. However, the stampings on the head seem very strange.

Any idea what this is?

 

Thanks!

 

[camillus]

an off the shelf hatchet hand stampede by the navy unit it was issued to is my guess but who knows for sure I don't

[tankerman]

Never heard of a "raft" hatchet. Ususally life raft items have blunt tips to avoid damage to raft...just saying

[MastersMate]

Check the handle for a hole or eyelet for attaching a lanyard made of small stuff line. Lifeboat equipment regulations required a hatchet at the bow and stern attached with a lanyard. Would have been used to clear away the manila falls to the hoisting gear if it became fouled. May have been for one of the large balsa type ring liferafts..

[tankerman]

Hey...that's some useful knowledge to have. Need to keep an eye out for this item to go with my other hatchets.