October 30, 2019 The Collection of Steve & Marcy Hench
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/30/2019
The high-quality brass head measures 5-1/2" overall with a 1" steel blade dovetailed in and retained by three brass rivets. Slightly curved cutting edge of 2-1/4". Tear drop-shaped eye. Fluted relief moldings at back of blade on both sides and a 1-3/8" threaded brass bowl decorated with a relief roped ring and a relief ring at the opening, as well as two engraved lines. Round haft with relief acorn-shaped mouthpiece, decorated in the latter part of the 19th century and features geometric Native American designs of red, yellow, and black hues. The paint was analyzed through a Winterthur paint analysis in 2011 and a detailed report by department chair Jennifer Mass, Ph.D. is included. Jennifer concludes that the head is earlier than the paint on the haft, which is post 1834. She states that "no evidence for the presence of 20th century pigments was observed". A copy of the full paint report and analysis is included. CONDITION: Head retains a mellow mustard patina with some darker areas and scattered marks from use. Replaced steel edge shows a grey patina with some areas of de-lamination. Haft retains almost all of paint decorated surface with some areas thinning. This is a very attractive, well-made and well-preserved pipe tomahawk. PROVENANCE: James Hart.