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Important early 19th century pipe tomahawk, thought to be made at Harper’s Ferry for Lewis and Cla

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:7,500.00 USD
Important early 19th century pipe tomahawk,  thought to be made at Harper’s Ferry for Lewis and  Cla
All items are as is, no warranty or claims and All SALES ARE FINAL. Please examine prior to bidding as it is the bidder's responsibilty to establish condition, age, genuineness, value or any other determinative factors.
Important early 19th century pipe tomahawk, thought to be made at Harper’s Ferry for Lewis and Clark expedition. The head measures 8” from tip of blade to tip of bowl. The blade measures approx. 3-3/4” across its edge. The bowl shows remnants of rifling from gun barrel. The head of the pipe tomahawk is incredibly well constructed and very nicely made with quality turning, grooving, and forging throughout. The shaft measures 24-1/8”, showing darking pewter inlays, and six brass tacks that have turned almost black. The mouthpiece is darkened pewter, also turned almost black. The shaft shows an uncleaned patina with considerable dirt, grime, and no cleaning whatsoever. The area where the blade meets the shaft shows pewter inset and the right type patina. One of Col. Orbelo’s favorite pieces that he spent years trying to authenticate and identify as one of the Lewis & Clark tomahawks made at Harper’s Ferry, which records record they took a number on their expedition and it is known that the bowls were made out of surplus rifle barrels. In any event an attractive and original tomahawk of great early quality with desirable uncleaned patina. From the William R. Orbelo Collection.