March 1-2, 2018 Firearms, Militaria & Sporting
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/1/2018
Forged steel construction, measures 6" with a 1 - 7/8" edge. Of early and delicate form, head engraved on both sides with foliate scrolls and borders. Both sides feature moldings and chiseled rope borders. Octagonal faceted bowl with double lines engraved near base and relief band around neck. For a similar example, also dated (1758) and probably by the same maker, see pages 87-88 of "Accouterments" by James R. Johnston. Dated "1757" on left side, vertically between moldings. This may be the earliest dated pipe tomahawk, as Johnston lists the example shown in the book as the earliest known pipe tomahawk, dated 1758. Retains a spotted grey patina overall with some edge wear and scattered marks from use. Some damage to bowl, as it was obviously used as a hammer at some time, bowl cracked and separated on left side. Damage appears to have been done during period of use. This scarce example is one of the few dated early American tomahawks and features excellent architecture and engraved decoration. French and Indian War pipe tomahawks of this quality are rarely seen.
Item Dimensions: 6"