Lot 89

C. 1840- Northern Plains Pipe Tomahawk w/ Papers

Estimate: $9,500 - $13,500

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,500 $250
$5,000 $500
$7,000 $1,000
The lot features a circa 1840-1860 Northern Plains pipe tomahawk from the collections of Walter C. Earl, Reggie Roberts, Jeb Taylor with paperwork. The piece exhibits a hand-forged iron pipe tomahawk spontoon head showing a diamond shaped spontoon blade with raised median ridge running down the center, absent of basal processes. Running down the outside edge on both sides of the blade you can see the forged fold, a true indication of the early hand blacksmith forging. The blade ends at the raised forge molded ridge with tear drop eyelet / eye hole with forge molded chevrons with medium height vase shaped smoking bowl. The bowl has a tapered flaring foot with curved vase shaped bowl body with forge molded prominent top ridge. The eye hole connection at the blade is folded over in the forging processes, as can be seen. The tomahawk head is secured to the original wood haft with a thick parfleche rawhide gasket, another early documented weapons feature. The solid hardwood haft is original showing a tear drop shape tapering to the in-cut gripping area which has a rounded finish. The haft shows solid brass square shank 1800’s original tacking with nice mellow patina. The handle itself has a nice original patina from honest age and use, noted in the historical evaluation by Jeb Taylor Artifacts as “Very well made, stains on handle may be blood.” Just above and below the gripping area is a pierced hole which would have held a drop of beadwork, feathers or wrist throng which is now long missing. The tomahawk is noted in the signed certificate as being likely from the Lakota Sioux. Provenance: From the collections of Walter C. Earl, Antique Gallery, Reggie Roberts, Jeb Taylor Artifacts Buffalo, WY, and a large Ohio collection. The tomahawk was purchased by the current collector in May 2010 for $5,230. Has the museum collection number of HCR 14 and J1000R / H on the tomahawk (the first number is also on the paperwork). Measures overall 23”L with the head being 9 5/8”L from the top of the pipe to the tip of the blade by 2” at the widest point of the blade.