North American Auction Company
Live Auction

Early October American Indian & Western Sale

Sat, Oct 3, 2020 11:00AM EDT
Lot 122

King George III French and Indian Wars Tomahawk

Estimate: $15,000 - $30,000

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
This is possibly one of the finest French and Indian Wars tomahawk to be brought to the public market. This example is highly engraved on the unique bell-shaped crescent curved forged iron blade showing the British Royal Coat of Arms with words “Diem Et Mon Droit” at the bottom banner and “Honi Soit Qui Mal Y (Pense)” at the round seal in the center. This is the official Coat of Arms of Great Britain used from circa 1714-1801. The reverse of the blade is engraved with the official Royal Monogram of King George III. This example is from the Mohawk Native American Indian tribe of the upper New York State who sided with their allies the British and due to the extremely high craftsmanship and finish of the tomahawk is believed to have been a presentation piece from King George III to the Chief of the Mohawk Indians. It is well documented that King Louis XV of the French presented Indian Chief allies with at least eight documented tomahawks during the seven years war, see the piece shown in Daniel D. Hartzler and James A. Knowles, “Tomahawks and Frontiersmen Belt Axes” figure 16 on page 123, which sold at auction May 2020 for $179,200 with premiums. The example being sold in this lot has a much higher craftsmanship and directly tied Royal British Coat of Arms engraving than the example previously mentioned. The head shows a forged iron with curved bell-like-shaped blade with crescent curved blade, stepped forged moldings at the base of the eyelet hole which is tear drop shaped flowing into the forge molding and filed step tall bowl which shows a vase shape flaring bevel with molded lines at the base. The right of the blade shows the Royal British Coat of Arms and the left side of the blade shows the official Royal Monogram of King George III of Great Britain with the Crown above an intertwined GR (showing a floral or leaf extension beautifully executed adding a fine artistic finish). The head is secured to the solid wood haft with the original hide gasket still present. The haft itself shows an incredible inlaid pewter finish. The end cap shows the original vase shaped clean out plug with pewter inlay having triangular teeth like finish. The haft further shows nearly a dozen bands of inlaid pewter inlays with diamond, zig-zag, triangular teeth like inlays and bands finish with the gripping area having a lattice like diamond pattern. The haft ends with a tapering carved smoking tip. The haft has a nice deep patina from honest age and use with dark honest coloring on the pewter. The head has a similar very honest patina from authentic age and use. The blade of the forged iron tomahawk is inset with a forged steel as exhibited by the forge line. 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. The piece measure 20 5/8”L with a head that is 7 5/8”L by 5”W by 1 5/8” thick. This is truly a fantastic authentic tomahawk with outstanding engraving which ties the piece to such a phenomenal provenance.
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