Native American spike tomahawk, fur trade pole axes and skinning knives

colin henshaw · 29th December 2020, 04:06 PM

Hi Mark

Interesting thread. I do like the primitive knife with the antler handle.

Regarding "American Indian" tomahawks and pipe tomahawks ... I've seen quite a few around here in the UK over the years, but always been kinda wary of them in general, as many seem to have little wear and signs of use. I understand the American Indians more or less just kept on making many of their weapons, accoutrements etc for resale. In addition there seems to be a thriving market in modern replica American Indian type weapons. So provenance is extra important in this field.

Is the above an accurate view do you believe ? How would you see the situation in the US ?

Regards.

CutlassCollector · 29th December 2020, 09:04 PM

Great display Mark,

Apart from fire axes boarding axes, being light, were also a useful substitute for a tomahawk or belt axe with the haft shortened. Many found their way ashore.
Some have been recovered from Native American sites and at least one from a burial site.
This one reputably found in New York State still has the remains of the broad arrow and with the spike removed or broken off.

CC

29th December 2020, 09:04 PM	#2
CutlassCollector Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scotland Posts: 324	Great display Mark, Apart from fire axes boarding axes, being light, were also a useful substitute for a tomahawk or belt axe with the haft shortened. Many found their way ashore. Some have been recovered from Native American sites and at least one from a burial site. This one reputably found in New York State still has the remains of the broad arrow and with the spike removed or broken off. CC Attached Images

29th December 2020, 04:06 PM	#1
colin henshaw Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,430	Hi Mark Interesting thread. I do like the primitive knife with the antler handle. Regarding "American Indian" tomahawks and pipe tomahawks ... I've seen quite a few around here in the UK over the years, but always been kinda wary of them in general, as many seem to have little wear and signs of use. I understand the American Indians more or less just kept on making many of their weapons, accoutrements etc for resale. In addition there seems to be a thriving market in modern replica American Indian type weapons. So provenance is extra important in this field. Is the above an accurate view do you believe ? How would you see the situation in the US ? Regards.