RARE – 18th century Native American Belt Axe/Tomahawk, complete with engraving (SOLD)

This is another rare piece being offered, it is an 18^th century  belt axe (Round Pole Hatchet), circa 1700 – 1780.  The hand forged blade measures  3” x 3 3/4” showing the forged seam.  The axe has an overall measurement of 18 ½”, and it has the original haft (round handle), having a strap hole on the end.

What is really unique about this axe is the etched design on both sides of the blade. It is a tree with dash designs around the edges. This suggests that it belonged to a Native American at one time.  For them, trees were profoundly significant, providing essential resources for survival (food, shelter, tools, medicine, and canoes).

The tree had a deep spiritual and cultural meaning as symbols of life, strength, and connection to ancestors. They were used in ceremonies, creation stories, and even to mark trails, embodying a holistic worldview where nature and humanity were intertwined.

Also, in the 18th century, soldiers often preferred these smaller head axes like hatchets or tomahawks because they were versatile tools, useful as both a weapon and for essential utilitarian tasks in the wilderness. Their compact size also made it easier to carry on expeditions, less cumbersome on horseback, and provided a practical alternative to swords. The longer wooden handles allowed for a little distance between him and his combatant.

There are examples of this axe in “Swords & Blades of the American Revolution” by George Neumann and in “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution” by Neumann & Kravic (see pictures).  On one of the axe heads shown, they write “…note the simple but rare incised decoration ….”

You will look a long time to find a better-balanced size axe with the original period handle. With many of these axes, the iron head has some movement, this one is very tight. These axes were used to trade with the Indians in the late 17th century through the early 18th century.

This is a very nice example of an authentic Native American//Revolutionary War Period Belt-Axe. Overall, it is a very solid piece.  It came out of a collection of Mohawk Valley artifacts. The Mohawk Valley saw nearly a third of some 300 battles, raids, skirmishes, attacks, engagements, and massacres during the Revolutionary War. This axe is definitely museum quality or for any serious Revolutionary War or Native American collector.

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been difficult to find, and I am fortunate to have quite a few pieces in stock. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price. I am already seeing a substantial increase in purchases.