This is a phenomenal American Indian Halberd Tomahawk dating to the 18th Century. The piece is likely New England or New York blacksmith forged dating to circa 1700-1790’s. The piece is marked with a prominent “IF” at the center of a heart with raised dot internal border along with a two thirteen-point star or flowers with circle center above and below the heart, likely representing the Thirteen Colonies (also referred to as the Thirteen British Colonies or the Thirteen American Colonies) from the 17th to 18th Centuries in North America. The piece is incredibly similar to the example shown in Harold L. Peterson’s “American Indian Tomahawks” 1965 book as figure / photograph 54 and 58, on page 93 and 94. Both these examples are attributed as being Halbert Indian Tomahawks of New England blacksmith make and dating to circa 1700-1750. This example shows a forged pike or spike with diamond shaped double edge top blade tapering to a round stock which then tapers gradually larger to an opening which would have original sat atop a spear haft and held into place with a single stud at the pierced section. The blade is inset in the pike / spike and shows a flaring broad axe traditional Halbert blade with sharp edge which culminates in the downward turned pike / spike back with a sharp point, a truly lethal early American weapon. The blade itself shows remnants of being intricately decorated with copper and brass which is nearly all worn away, the piece is in very well preserved condition for its incredibly early age with nice honest patina and some spotting and surface rust. Provenance: From a historic Eastern Montana American Indian Collection, where the piece was found to be an authentic original, one of the finest collections of American Indian weaponry and antiquities in Montana. Measures 15 1/8”L by 8 ¼” W and 3 5/8”L across the blade edge.