Indian or colonial tomahawk??

[kwelliott14]

I know it's really corroded but I found this metal detecting the other day. It was really deep below the plow line. I've found arrowheads at the same site but all I know about the area is that there use to be a big house there already in shambles in the early 1900s. That's according to a 90 year old man that owns the property. He said it use to be a school house. I have found a 1899 indian head penny there too.

 

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[Relicgrubber]

Fur Trade Axe. Might be one of the pipe variety... pretty cool MD find!

 

[monsterrack]

Just from what I see in the picture is I don't see a pipe hawk and the hole for the handle looks wrong for a trade period axe. I've never seen a trade axe with a hammer head on the other end from the bit end. It would help to know what state/area it was found. I would think it's colonial. JMO

 

[kwelliott14]

Just from what I see in the picture is I don't see a pipe hawk and the hole for the handle looks wrong for a trade period axe. I've never seen a trade axe with a hammer head on the other end from the bit end. It would help to know what state/area it was found. I would think it's colonial. JMO

Eastern nc

 

[CaptEsteban]

Much, much newer that that. I believe it is a vintage roofing hatchet.

 

[pepperj]

Much, much newer that that. I believe it is a vintage roofing hatchet.

The age of the head predate anything "much newer"
Roofer's hatchets mostly have a notch in the blade bottom-which this one doesn't have.

 

[pepperj]

Just from what I see in the picture is I don't see a pipe hawk and the hole for the handle looks wrong for a trade period axe. I've never seen a trade axe with a hammer head on the other end from the bit end. It would help to know what state/area it was found. I would think it's colonial. JMO

Click on the enlargement of the pic and I can see the built up corrosion/decay has closed the socket hole. Though looking at the pic one can see almost how the folding of the plate/iron is now showing.
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1893846&d=1610711958

 

[G.A.P.metal]

I do see the folding...need to do a little electrolysis

 

[monsterrack]

A little information.

 

[Fat]

I’ve been trying to find the pics I have but that really is neat. I think cleanup gently and see.
The pic you had with two, the other head sure looked like roofing tool but if that is a bowl instead of a hammer. IDK

Jen Taylor the arrowhead and author, use to have a link that was full of good info about trade axes but I can’t locate now.

 

[releventchair]

It hints of being utilitarian.
A guy could use it to secure shake singles. No need for a nail lifter. Leverage of the shingle can do that , and the long blade can scoot under a shingle. Lots of other uses though possible...
Not so much deliberate trade goods as a functional tool.
And would no doubt be accepted as a substitute for not having an axe or hawk!
When times had goods reduced in availability , or tools simply revolved through a region , anything could end up in anyone's hands.

Then too , blacksmiths and common folk with a forge produced tools to the creator or customers desires.

I agree the handle hints more of an axe eye vs hawk. Not uncommon in the East at one time. And of course design can travel beyond a region it started or was popular in.

A great relic. I'd be delighted.
I lack pics on this computer of an old small axe I carried for years.
While it hints of being very old , I've not found any others like it.
Which is understandable considering hand forged tools were up to the maker as far as design , or finished results.

Your piece is unique so far.
If no others are found matching it , it's more unique. Which is neat!

Indian or colonial? It could have been used by either or both.

 

[CaptEsteban]

I still believe it is an old roofing hatchet. As stated above, not all were notched. Cedar shakes were common siding & roofing materials years ago.

 

[dirstscratcher]

I never saw shingling hatchet with a round poll, nor one made of wrought iron. nor one that had a blade flair both front and back. It's most likely a tomahawk with hammer head made by a blacksmith from an old rifle barrel. Really early and could have been carried by a pioneer farmer, trapper or even an Indian. It would have been perfect to carry while trapping. I wouldn't try electrolysis as there may not be much left of it when you finish.

 

[eyemustdigtreasure]

My vote is a modified trade axe - a "Hammer Poll Axe", with that very pronounced "poll" - the hammer-part of the relic...!
A variety of that, might have a nail-puller, in a shingling hatchet
The axe-maker's book said that Trade axes were made for trade with Indians, so no wonder tomahawks were to later resemble the Trade Axes...!