This is an exceptional 19th Century pipe tomahawk from the Crow Native American Indians of Colorado. The piece is from the personal collection of noted tomahawk historian and collector, Ben Thompson of Missouri and was noted as being one of his favorite pieces. The piece was then later sold to collector and noted dealer Tom Hardy. This shows a hand-forged iron blade that was forged from a gun barrel, with the rifling still visible inside the pipe bowl, which appears to be a hand cut with eight grooves rifling. Under the bowl, which shows two rings, is a large filed chevron and a wide triangle-shaped typical western-style blade and small rear-facing spur on the inside edge. The solid wood haft is adorned with various sized brass tacks, which are all solid brass period correct 1800’s square shank, along with a high-relief carving at the fore end or smoking tip, an old tarnished copper telegraph wire wrapping and a long fringed and beaded pendant drop. The drop is likely a later addition, from circa late 1800’s, but in itself is quite early and dresses up the piece nicely. The piece is held onto the pierced hole with a bit of Indian tanned hide and shows a red and blue early trade clothe construction with inner Indian tanned hide lining and traditional geometric pattern. The beads are all period correct 19th Century and show chalk white, greasy yellow, sky padre blue, Cheyenne pink, semi-transparent red, cobalt, semi-transparent medium blue and medium green. The outside edge shows a fancy beaded section of large glass trade pony beads. The fringe is long and shows a slight dry condition, which overall displays well and is in good condition with the drop showing only very minimal to no bead loss. This is truly a large, heavy and authentic Plateau region pipe tomahawk of the Indian Wars period with terrific patina and nice art appeal. From the Ben Thompson and Tom Hardy Collections. The tomahawk measures overall 25 ½ inches showing a 10 inch long head that has a 4 inch wide blade across the bottom edge. The beaded drop measures 6”W x 14”L with an additional 18”L fringe (together measures 32”L and with the tomahawk is 52”L). 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.