Can any of you come up with a plausible explanation for modifying a
gouge in this way?

http://www.goantiques.com/detail,addis-special-fish,451675.html

My first take was to boggle at asking so much for a grievously damaged
chisel, but following the 'view other images' link shows the edge is
finished.

Thanks,
cur - whose sole memories of shop consist of burning cherry on the
belt sander and making the teacher cry by nailing my gun rack
together.
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