Need help with an oddball

[Mossdancer]

To any and all;
As you can see this a relic. It is hand forged, the only mark is a block A at the 11" mark. I took a picture of mark but due to discoloration it may not be distinguishable, A telling feature may be the small end which has been bent over to resemble a swan. there is one hand punced hole I believe for an anchor point for a handle.It appears there are hammer welds in differing places on the blade for additional strength. At longest point its about 24.5". The sharp side is away from the measuring stick. The dull side varies crudely from approx 3/16" to less than 1/8". I think it could any thing from an executioners blade to a Harvesting tool of some sort. If more pics are need just ask.
Thank you for any help offered.
Mossdancer,
Edit; Additional Info, have been offered a name from a tool collector, possibly a Billhook.
Edit-2 Another tool man say over the years he has seen huge hawk bills that the locals here on the coast called whale knives.
Edit-3 Hard to find docs. on something this old, Latest is, I have referred the Block A to Oregon Historical Soc. Trying to tie it to the Astor Fur Trading Co.(If interested see John Jacob Astor)
Any and all ideas will be appreciated.