Maker's 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.

30th June 2025, 02:20 AM	#5
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.