January 16, 2020 The Susquehanna Collection
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/16/2020
This is the only known example by Jacob Welshans and is one of the only known examples signed by a Pennsylvania gunsmith. It is featured in plate 275 in page 111 of "Tomahawks and Pipe Axes of the American Frontier" by John Baldwin. It is also shown on page 75 of "Steel Canvas" by R.L. Wilson and in the March 1981 edition of "The Magazine Antiques". Jacob Welshans worked in York, Pennsylvania between 1779 and 1807. The head measures 7" including the bowl. The blade measures 4 - 1/2" and has a 2 - 3/8" slightly curved steel cutting edge, which is dovetailed into the brass head. The left side of the blade is stamped "J. WELSHANS" and is stamped with the same die that he used on his rifles. The turned bowl measures 1 - 1/2" in height and is threaded and removable. Below the head, is a decorative ring probably for hanging decorative feathers or for an attachment to retain the bowl when it was detached. The round tiger maple haft measures 15 -3/8" in length with a portion of the original bone mouth piece visible at the end. CONDITION: Brass retains a dark mustard patina with some damage and flattening to cutting edge, some scattered marks on the head, and some minor damage to the rim around the opening of the bowl, as it was probably misused for hammering at some time. The haft retains a nice orange hue and appears to be period. A very attractive, signed tomahawk. PROVENANCE: Found by Joe Kindig, Jr. in York, PA in 1949. Later sold to William H. Guthman.
Paperwork
Notes, Information, Book/Article Photocopies