Native American Spontoon Pipe Tomahawk, Early 19th C

Featuring hand-forged iron head with broad triangular blade, pierced with three round holes. Twin curved lugs at the base and integrally forged round ferrule and pipe bowl. Original hexagonal haft wrapped with leather, featuring brass-head tacks, leather fringe, and two sections of blue, white, and red bead work; clean-out plug at the bowl end. Shows substantial age and signs of extensive use. While not signed, the form of the head is very much like trade spontoon tomahawk heads made by John Shields, the blacksmith who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their famed Corps of Discovery expedition. Overall length 25 3/4” (65.4 cm), length of head, including bowl, 11” (28 cm). Very good untouched original condition, this is an excellent example of its type. Not part of the Tom Richards Collection.