EXT. RARE Ca. 1875 NATIVE AMERICAN POLL WAR AXE/ POSSIBLE ORIG.HAFT

Description

NATIVE AMERICAN SUPERBLY STYLED BLACKSMITH FORGED IRON POLL WAR AXE
ALSO KNOWN AS A POLL AXE TOMAHAWK: SPECIFIC IDENTIFYING TRAITS:
1. Shape of blade
2. long poll (showing no mushrooming or use as a tool)
3. Scalloped and chamfered decoration
4. Native American early haft
Ca. 1850-1880 FINE AND RARE!
But its characteristics, such as the scalloped edge work and cambered poll created as
one flowing piece from one end to the other, taken together with the early haft
beautifully brass tacked, leave no doubt its a warrior's prize weapon.
Understand the condition is exactly what you'd expect: The head is deeply patinated
with a black iron oxide and is
pitted from natural exposure to the elements.
It also has areas of rust. There has been zero repair or restoration and no
resharpening to the bit. I believe a prior owner cleaned it and probably
stabilized its surface with a very thin coat of varnish. Glad he did.
The haft is probably not a replacement. To my eye it was the first.
There are no shims to tighten the fit in the eye, often used when wood
hafts have shrunk and become loose as they do over time.
This one is slightly loose, as it should be if original, just enough so you
can carefully free it and view the interior of the eye. Under a glass you will see
a magnificent, deep layer of encrustation. Authenticity never was so beautifully demonstrated!
Size: Height 14 inches, head (poll to bit) 7 inches, bit, 3 5/8 inches.
NOTE: A nearly identical tomahawk-ax is believed to have been carried by
the Cheyenne Indian known as "White Frog" (perhaps a chief) during the
Battle of Little Bighorn.
RETURNS: Please have the courtesy to get in touch if you feel there is a legitimate reason to dispute
the description. I will always stand behind it, but may request a mutually agreed expert's
opinion or ask to cover insurance on return mailing.