May 17, 2022 Early Arms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/17/2022
A forged, round-poll belt axe or hatchet of mid-18th century form, the head measures 8 - 3/8" across, with a blade width of 3 - 1/2". From top of head to base of the original haft, the length is 15 - 1/8". The left face of the blade is stamped with two decorative 5-petaled floral devices, with a maker’s touchmark “OF” [?] within a heart-shaped cartouche. The right face of the blade bears the initials “JMV” crudely scribed into it with a cutting tool, probably by its original owner. A classic example of a combination working tool and fighting arm as found on Colonial and Revolutionary War military sites. PROVENANCE: Found on the North Shore and formerly in the collection of the late Jack Weil of Marblehead, Massachusetts. JLK