Lot 77

Sioux Three-Knife Blade Gunstock War Club 19th C.

Estimate: $6,000 - $12,000

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 truly an outstanding authentic 19th Century example of a gunstock knife blade war club from the Sioux Native American Indians. The piece shows a solid wood gunstock handle, the term Gunstock War Club originating from rifle stocks used by the American Indian from after the Revolutionary War. The handle shows various file rasp burns across the entire piece which is adorned by various early solid brass trade tacks which show a square peg tapering end. The handle shows a wrapping of copper telegraph wire, a truly unique and rare attribute. The wire shows a nice mellow patina from honest age and use. The end of the war club tomahawk shows a stepped pommel end with pierced hole which would have held a wrist throng, drop of feathers or beaded drop, which is no longer present. The truly rare and exiting attribute of this club is the three knife blades which are held into the wood with gaskets of harness leather and are all slightly different various of Buffalo skinning knives with the center knife showing a mark of “ANNIVERSARY G.W. Co.” Three blade knife war clubs are increasingly scarce with very few authentic examples being offered for sale, such as this piece. The war club is very similar to the Eastern Plains Three-Bladed Knife Club from the Marvin L. Lince Oregon collection sold by Cowan’s Auction in their 04/05/2013 sale for $180,000 and the Knife Blade club from the Jim Ritchie collection sold by Cowan’s Auction in their 04/08/2016 sale for $96,000. The club shows a nice honest patina from true age and use. Provenance: From one of the most prominent American Indian collections in Billings, Montana where the piece was found to be an authentic pre-1890 example. This 1800’s war club tomahawk is in very well preserved condition and is truly one of the finest pieces offered in this sale. Measures overall 35.75”L by 10”W with knife blades that are approximately 6” in length.
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