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ANTIQUE SPIKE TOMAHAWK
BATTLE AXE
Underhill
Edge Tool Co. Ca 1820 - 60
PRICE $650.00 plus $18.00 for shipping to 48 contiguous States
Presented is an authentic 19th Spike
Tomahawk made by Underhill Edge Tool Company of Nashua, NH. It is of the classic Tomahawk design used by most navies
with minor variations, all of which, included a spike. The metal heads were originally based on a Royal Navy ballistic and used as a trade-item with Native Americans for food and other
provisions. This one is very similar to the one on exhibit at the Smithsonian. The Navy
versions had one or more teeth at the bottom edge.
The tomahawk axe, in addition to general
purpose, could be used for close in combat as far back as can be remembered. Some axes were known by many
names such as battle axe, pole axe and sometimes hatchet in the ship's arms or ordinance lists.
Tomahawk axes
- together with edged weapons for close-quarters fighting -became obsolete in late Victorian and early 20th
century naval warfare when advancements in the development of firearms meant that combat between vessels took
place at distances of hundreds of feet or more, rather than hand to hand combat. However, thanks to the axe’s
multi-purpose cutting, smashing and levering functions, it has continues in use as the fire axe on shipboard and ashore
today.
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Similar
Smithsonian example |
R.A. Salaman, on page 49 of his book, "Dictionary of Tools, used in the woodworking and allied trades,
Ca.1700 1970", says; ’’The axe was carried by boarders and used to damage the enemy’s ship, cut
up his rigging, hack through a spar and smash through a bulkhead. It was a weapon of destruction, but, of course, still basically
an axe with a spike at the back. It was also useful in emergencies for cutting away ropes or spars which threatened to endanger
the ship".
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Imprint: UNDERHILL Edge Tool Co. on two lines | |
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DIMENSIONS: Face Edge 2 7/8" Vertical x 3 1/2" wide. Spike: 2 3/4"
L
Head overall: 7 3/4" L Handle:
20 1/4" L x 1 1/4" oval Weight: 1.3 lbs
MARKINGS: Obverse face on two lines, UNDERHILL Edge Tool Co. over
what may be a number "1".
CONDITION: Sharp edge on steel insert, slightly pitted black head
and strong hickory handle with ball foot. No faults.
UNDERHILL HISTORY: George W. Underhill operated in Nashua,
NH from 1840 to 1869. Some say they were in business since 1820. In 1879, Underhill acquired the Amoskeag
Ax Company which was the successor to the Blodgett Edge Tool Co. which had been in business from 1853-1862. Underhill
died in 1882 and in turn, the company became part of the American Axe & Tool Company in 1890. They were a major supplier
of edged tools.
STANDARD FLAT RATE SHIPPING to 48 contiguous States $18.00
OUR UNCONDITIONAL NO NONSENSE
GUARANTEE: If not completely satisfied with your purchase it may be returned within five days of receipt
in its original packaging if without damage. Return items must be insured for their full value. Only a prior email authorization from
us for the return is required. Shipping charges are included in this offer if an error is due to our
fault.
International buyers welcome,
but must inquire first. You are responsible for knowing your country's import laws. We have satisfied customers
in Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Democratic
Republic of Congo, Denmark, Estonia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel,
Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia, Martinique, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Nova Scotia, Panama, Poland, Portugal,
Puerto Rico, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates,
USVI and the Eastern Caribbean.
Copyright 2009 by Land And Sea Collection™, All Rights Reserved
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