Maker's Mark?

mgolab · 30th June 2025, 01:36 PM

Jim:

Thanks for the in-depth response and analysis here. It is excellent and I appreciate it.

I purchased this axe from a picker in Florida, so I initially thought that it had a Spanish connection but who knows whether the axe originated there. The picker claimed so.

I initially purchased the axe thinking that it was a spike tomahawk but when I received it, it appeared slightly too heavy and large (9.75 inches and 1.5 pounds). However, having handled a number of spike tomahawks, the size and weight is not outside the realm of possibility. Also what struck me as interesting was the detailed beveling on the spike end-certainly pointing to European manufacturing but perhaps too well done for a trade item(?). In terms of spike tomahawks, the spatulate blade and double round ears appear to be the earliest in form. Late 17th Century to early 18th Century.

That certainly does appear to be a Cross of Lorraine, which I know appeared on French trade silver in the 17th Century.

Finally, your initial response struck me as interesting, a "horseman axe". When I revisited the axe earlier this week, that was my gut reaction. I am curious whether this piece started life in Europe as a horseman axe, later traded in North American.

30th June 2025, 01:36 PM	#8
mgolab Member Join Date: Jun 2023 Posts: 77	Jim: Thanks for the in-depth response and analysis here. It is excellent and I appreciate it. I purchased this axe from a picker in Florida, so I initially thought that it had a Spanish connection but who knows whether the axe originated there. The picker claimed so. I initially purchased the axe thinking that it was a spike tomahawk but when I received it, it appeared slightly too heavy and large (9.75 inches and 1.5 pounds). However, having handled a number of spike tomahawks, the size and weight is not outside the realm of possibility. Also what struck me as interesting was the detailed beveling on the spike end-certainly pointing to European manufacturing but perhaps too well done for a trade item(?). In terms of spike tomahawks, the spatulate blade and double round ears appear to be the earliest in form. Late 17th Century to early 18th Century. That certainly does appear to be a Cross of Lorraine, which I know appeared on French trade silver in the 17th Century. Finally, your initial response struck me as interesting, a "horseman axe". When I revisited the axe earlier this week, that was my gut reaction. I am curious whether this piece started life in Europe as a horseman axe, later traded in North American.