Native American spike tomahawk, fur trade pole axes and skinning knives

[M ELEY]

Finally, just to cap off the subject of fur trade weapons, no collection would be complete without the side knives carried during the period. Here is a primitive bowie-style knife with clipped point, wood slat grips with copper pins securing it to the tang.

The other piece is one that is fit for Paul Hogan! Measuring almost 19" long, the hilt is an old honey patina stag horn while the trade blade is spear-point style. You will note the maker's stamp, which I unfortunately can't make out, that was so typical of trade blades being sent out to the western territories in the early to mid-19th century. This piece might have been used by a frontiersman or Native American. She's a true beast of a knife!! For similar examples, see Neumann's guide.

[M ELEY]

In 'Native American Weapons" by Colin Taylor, we see a very similar knife to my stag hilted piece on pg. 55