VERY FINE 18TH CENTURY PIPE TOMAHAWK WITH ORIGINAL

This Revolutionary War period pipe tomahawk has classic Anglo form. For a nearly identical head, see Fig. 88 on page 158 of "Indian Tomahawks and Frontiersmen Belt Axes" by Hartzler & Knowles. The hand-forged head measures about 7-1/2" overall, including the rounded 1-1/2" bowl. The blade has a 2-3/8" crescent steel cutting edge. The blade measures about 4". There are moldings on both side of the blade, just in front of the eye. There are ten notches on each side along the top edge, around the eye. The original haft features Native American decoration and is carved with a relief-spiraling ribbon along the entire haft on a shaded ground. There are a series of original tacks on the front flat edge of the haft, retaining an original leather strap. There are also tacks on the back edge. Haft has a shaped mouthpiece and a hole above for feather decoration. CONDITION: Head has been polished in some areas, shows some scattered corrosion and an overall grey patina. Some minor hammer marks to edges of bowl. Haft shows shrinkage and head is loose. Haft has much original finish and shows some smoothing from carrying. Head of one tack is absent. A very attractive and authentic pipe tomahawk. PROVENANCE: Ex. La Dow Johnston Collection; Ex. Jim Johnston Collection, Ex. Anne H. and Frederick Vogel III Collection, No. 709. Blade Length: 2 - 3/8" Overall Length: 24 - 1/2" Paperwork: Letter from previous owner