This is an interesting, authentic War of 1812, U.S. Naval Boarding Axe with JT inspection marks by Joseph Tarbell. Joseph Tarbell (American, 1773-1815) was an officer in the United States Navy during the First Barbary War and the War of 1812. He was appointed Master Commandant in 1805; in 1806, he was appointed master of the Washington Naval Yard and was the primary inspector of weapons from then until 1813. This piece shows the documented JT mark, along with another unidentified mark, as it was inspected by Joseph Tarbell for use during the War of 1812. The piece shows a round eyelet hole with triangular tomahawk axe head blade and is separated at the eyelet hole to blade connection, as shown. The piece was likely later traded to the American Indians and saw use on the Eastern and Plains frontier—as the piece has a typical Missouri War Axe tomahawk shape and was later found in the current American Indian collection many years later. It is truly a wonderful authentic piece, showing a deep chocolate patina with shiny finish, all honest and true from age and use. 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 8 3/8”L and is 3.75”L across the blade, eyelet hole is 2”W across the outside of the opening.