May 18, 2021 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/18/2021
For a nearly identical example see number 113 in "American Indian Tomahawks" by Harold Peterson. William Parkes is listed as an English maker and a supplier to the Hudson Bay Company between 1770-1790. The book states that the name appears on a pipe tomahawk shown in the book as number 113 which is from the second half of the 18th century and bears the British broad arrow. For another similar example see figure 26 on page 121. The example shown is an English Ordnance tomahawk c. 1770-1780 for use in North America by British troops and their Native American allies. The head measures 8 5/8" overall with a crescent 3 1/8" cutting edge. The right side near the top of the blade is stamped with a British arrow over an indistinct letter or marker's mark. The opposite side is stamped "PARKES". The original haft measures exactly 22" and appears to be hickory. A portion of the leather washer still remains inside the tear drop shaped eye. CONDITION: Head retains a gray patina with some areas of darker heavier patina. Parkes marking and broad arrow stamp are excellent. Blade shows a nick to the center of the cutting edge and one larger chip missing at the top of the cutting edge. Haft is very good showing scattered marks from use. Head is slightly loose due to shrinkage. A very good British Ordnance tomahawk. DMG
Item Dimensions: L: 23"