Lot 248

OUTSTANDING Iroquois Ball Head War Club c1750-1800

Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000

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 an outstanding authentic original ball head war club from the Iroquois of the Eastern Woodlands Native American Indians dating to circa 1750-1800. The club is attributed to the Iroquois of New York state of the Eastern Woodlands region and dates to the late 18th to early 19th Century, being truly one of the earliest and rarest ball head war clubs we have ever offered for sale. The piece is carved entirely from one solid piece of wood with the spherical ball head being the root burl of the tree and the club overall having a gunstock like tapering slightly in turned pattern. The club has original mineral pigment ocher and vegetable dye remnants and wonderful patterns of solid brass trade tacks. Down the inside edge of the clubs fore end are five hand pierced holes which would have likely held drops of feathers are one time. The gripping area is incised and slightly rounded with a lighter dyed finish, likely a combination of wear from age and use and a pigment coloring. The base of the piece has a staircase like stepped pattern. The entire club has a nice, smooth and shiny patina from honest age and use. Provenance: Originally collected by British Major Donnington and was in the Castle Donnington collection of arms and armor for many years. The piece was purchased by Dr. Colin Taylor author and collector, who later sold the piece to fellow club member and collector Cyrus Eaton of London, England. The club is in striking form being well preserved with good ownership history. Overall the piece measures 30 ½ inches in length. The stand is not included.