Lot 90

Northern Plains Stylized-Cutout Pipe Tomahawk 1880

Estimate: $6,750 - $8,750

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
The lot features a terrific circa 1880 Northern Plains Pipe Tomahawk with unusual and scarce stylized double cutout in the center of the blade. The tomahawk head features a 12-inch long blacksmith hand-forged iron head with two unique, stylized double cutouts in the center of the blade along with three pierced bleeder holes. The piece is paired with what appears to be an original solid hardwood haft handle with old faded hot file brandings, trades of old black mineral pigment paint, and a fantastic solid brass trade tack pattern. The axe head has a tear drop eyelet hole which is secured to the haft with an old buckskin gasket and shows a drilled cleanout plug hole with plug missing. The tomahawk has excellent chevron mouldings and filed chevrons with tall thin vase like tulip shape bowl. The inside edge of the large Western tomahawk axe blade has a small spur. Just below the in-cut gripping area is a pierced hole with hide tied on drop holding an old thimble, strips of buckskin and old trade clothe hanging overall 17 inches in length. This large Western style of head from the 19th Century has been documented from Northern Plains tribes such as the Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho. The head has a dark coloring and the wood has a nice shiny chocolate patina with minor nicks and dings from age and use. Measures overall 20 inches in length without the drop. The drop is likely a later addition. Stylized cutouts such as this are very scarce with a fine example being offered from out company in July 2021 from the Crow 1870’s being sold for $6,150 (shown with BP).