This is an original authentic single batwing cutout pipe tomahawk from the 19th Century from the Northern Plains Native American Indians, likely the Sioux or Crow. The circa 1860-1870’s Indian Wars era tomahawk is one of only three authentic 19th Century single batwing cut out traditional tomahawks in any museum or private collection and the Kiowa Spontoon Batwing cutout. This example was purchased by noted tomahawk collector and author Mark Francis from Mike Kokin of Sherwood’s Spirit of America at the Tulsa Gun & Antique Weapons Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the early 2000’s. The second example was from the personal collection of author and collector John Baldwin and was pictured in a few of his books such as the “Tomahawks, Pipe Axes of the American Frontier by John Baldwin” and was later sold to Mark Francis. The third and last example is in the Museum of the American Indian Heye Foundation Collection New York, New York. This is truly an exceptional and rare example with a deep, shiny patina. The pipe tomahawk head is made of hand-forged iron and measures 9 ½ inches long and 4 1/8 inches wide across the bottom of the blade. A forge mark or forge fold can be seen clearly on the left side of the blade above the batwing. The pipe bowl, which shows a curved design with two rolled rims, is accented by two filed chevrons and moldings with a small rear-facing spur at the inside of the blade. The head was forged from an old gun barrel with the rifling still being visible inside the bowl, which appears to be hand cut with eight grooves. The single batwing cut out in the center of the blade has punch dot decorations surrounding it, a truly artful addition. The haft, which is crafted of solid wood, is adorned with wide rasp file branding, not hot file burned, along with five sets of brass trade tack embellishments. The trade tacks are all period correct 1800’s solid brass with square shank. The gripping area shows a slight worn curve and much signs of age and use with a pierced hole which holds an old dangle drop tied on comprised of old trade clothe and muslin along with four small solid brass trade beads. This is truly a wonderful piece being one of only three authentic examples of batwing cutout pipe tomahawks (not including the spontoon batwing from the Kiowa). The piece is featured in detail in the upcoming 2019 book, “Rare American Indian Weapons Volume 2” being published later this year. Ex-Sherwoods Spirit of American and Mark Francis collections. The tomahawk shows a total length of 26 inches. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.