Maker's Mark?

mgolab · 29th June 2025, 04:09 PM

Hi Jim:

Good to hear from you. I have attached some additional images. The nail pull slot was added later. The piece was later repurposed as a tool, but that spike looks like a weapon to me, similar to a "bec de corbin"

A "LT" mark as well.

mgolab · 29th June 2025, 04:11 PM

another image of the mark.

Jim McDougall · 30th June 2025, 02:20 AM

While not sure of the dimensions on this, the character of the entire axe head resembles the spiked poll tomahawks (this term along with hatchet was used broadly) which were favored by Iroquois tribes in the northeast and central coastal areas. The tomahawks were with 8 3/4" x 3 1/2" heads so if this example corresponds this might be a presumed identification.

It seems that the notch added later is a practice noted in "American Trade Relics" , Lar Hothem, 2003 in another example, but used by trappers to pull chains on their traps. However another example (Neumann, 1972, 70a) of mid 18th c. has similar notch noted as nail puller. The finished character at the beveled stem of the spike suggests European manufacture, perhaps French.
Initials on the side of the head or blade as on this one are usually of local traders, and unfortunately most of these are not recorded.
Personal initials tended to be much larger on the side of the blade.
In the LT (?) initials on this, the 'T' has double bars at top (cross of Lorraine?).

Markings are also sparsely recorded, and this is still indiscernible from photos, many deeply worn marks have to be looked at with magnifier and manipulated lighting.

Hotspur · 30th June 2025, 02:34 AM

Isn't the notch a nail lift?

Jim McDougall · 30th June 2025, 02:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hotspur

Isn't the notch a nail lift?

It was for both, there are references noting both functions. It seems in a number of cases, the notches were added later.

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.

Interested Party · 30th June 2025, 02:23 PM

Is the edge beveled evenly on both sides or was it chisel ground at one time?

29th June 2025, 04:09 PM	#1
mgolab Member Join Date: Jun 2023 Posts: 104	Hi Jim: Good to hear from you. I have attached some additional images. The nail pull slot was added later. The piece was later repurposed as a tool, but that spike looks like a weapon to me, similar to a "bec de corbin" A "LT" mark as well. Attached Images

29th June 2025, 04:11 PM	#2
mgolab Member Join Date: Jun 2023 Posts: 104	another image of the mark. Attached Images

30th June 2025, 02:20 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,510	While not sure of the dimensions on this, the character of the entire axe head resembles the spiked poll tomahawks (this term along with hatchet was used broadly) which were favored by Iroquois tribes in the northeast and central coastal areas. The tomahawks were with 8 3/4" x 3 1/2" heads so if this example corresponds this might be a presumed identification. It seems that the notch added later is a practice noted in "American Trade Relics" , Lar Hothem, 2003 in another example, but used by trappers to pull chains on their traps. However another example (Neumann, 1972, 70a) of mid 18th c. has similar notch noted as nail puller. The finished character at the beveled stem of the spike suggests European manufacture, perhaps French. Initials on the side of the head or blade as on this one are usually of local traders, and unfortunately most of these are not recorded. Personal initials tended to be much larger on the side of the blade. In the LT (?) initials on this, the 'T' has double bars at top (cross of Lorraine?). Markings are also sparsely recorded, and this is still indiscernible from photos, many deeply worn marks have to be looked at with magnifier and manipulated lighting.

30th June 2025, 02:34 AM	#4
Hotspur Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Nipmuc USA Posts: 526	Isn't the notch a nail lift?

30th June 2025, 01:36 PM	#6
mgolab Member Join Date: Jun 2023 Posts: 104	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, 02:23 PM	#7
Interested Party Member Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Eastern Sierra Posts: 506	Is the edge beveled evenly on both sides or was it chisel ground at one time?