September 26, 2018 O'Connor's Americana Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/26/2018
Head measures 7-1/8" overall with 4-1/4" blade with 2-1/2" cutting edge and 1-1/2" pole. Head is hand forged with round eye and pole attached in the saddle fashion. Base of pole is decorated with three relief bands, both sides of blade decorated with moldings at attachment to eye. The head is of early, mid 18th century form and features a silver inlaid heart on the right side. The left side exhibits a partially visible script "A.C. Russel". Even dark original patina overall with some freckling, marks from use, and forging flaws. End of pole has some damage from hammer use and a minor crack on back of eye at front and bottom, extending slightly into pole. A very nice French and Indian War period tomahawk, as these are scarcely found with inscriptions and inlays. For two similar examples of pole tomahawks, see plates 91 and 92 of "American Indian Tomahawks" by Harold Peterson. Figure 91 was sold as part of Bill Guthman's collection and has a silver inlaid moon and is inscribed "and feight". The form of the example shown and this example are nearly identical.