May 27, 2020 Founders & Patriots
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/27/2020
This is a very nice grouping of 18th century belt axes from the Robert Ditchburn collection. (A) This piece is show and described on page 41 in figure 11 of "Indian Tomahawks & Frontiersman Belt Axes" by Daniel Hartzler & James Knowles. This large European style spike tomahawk has an 8 -1/2" downward turned spike, rounded and forged from one piece. The head has a small oval eye and symmetrical crescent blade. The overall measurements are 8" x 7". CONDITION: Dark brown patina overall, heavier in some areas. (B) Small round pole tomahawk, recovered by Bob Ditchburn at Conastoga sight in the late 1980's. This is an American blacksmith handforged piece. CONDITION: Relic condition with heavy corrosion. (C) A hammer pole belt axe, measuring 4 - 1/2" in length overall with a 1 - 1/4" crescent cutting edge, rounded rear ears, oval tear dash drop eye with thin walls, and square poll. This is a classic American rifleman's belt axe, dating to the mid 18th century. CONDITION: Good to very good with one minor chip to top of cutting edge, scattered marks from use, and overall brown patina. (D) A square pole axe or rifleman's bag axe. This diminutive example measures only 3" x 1 - 3/4". It features a square eye and square pole which has been flattened from use, it dates between 1750-1775 and is American forged. CONDITION: Dark patina overall with some marks from use. (E) Frontiersman belt axe with square hammer poll. Measures 5" with a 2 - 1/2" crescent cutting edge, probably mid 18th century. Very early style without ears and with a spatulated blade. CONDITION: Brown patina overall with some light areas of scattered pitting. A great grouping of axe and tomahawk heads all from the well known Robert Ditchburn collection.
Blade Length
(A) 7" (B) 2" (C) 1 - 1/4" (D) 1 - 3/4" (E) 2 - 1/2"
Overall Length
(A) 9 - 1/2" (B) 5" (C) 4 - 1/2" (D) 3" (E) 5"
Paperwork
Provenance and Descriptions