Tom Hughes
Sergeant Major
- Joined
- May 27, 2019
- Location
- Mississippi
Native Americans weren't the only ones using tomahawks in the frontier days of our nation's history.
I recently dug what I believe is an American poll ax tomahawk, circa. 1800-1840, and wanted to share my find on this thread.
When I first dug it up, I instantly knew it was "something" and not just another ordinary hammer. I've dug enough hammer heads and axes, and tools to know something was just different. So I began to do a little research.
I admit that my knowledge on poll ax tomahawks is limited so anybody that can chime in with any additional information is appreciated.
I'm still in the process of cleaning it but I think I've got it to the point where you can make out enough detail from my photo.
I've also attached a photo I got off the internet of a complete poll ax tomahawk for visual comparison.
One thing I discovered is that poll axes were popular items used during the French & Indian War and American Revolution.
They also saw extensive use on the frontier by trappers and explorers.
The circular end of the poll ax was used as a hammer and routinely used to kill animals that were being trapped without having to waste a gunshot or damage the hide or meat with the blade end.
A little interesting side note: Davey Crockett was presented an engraved poll ax from the "Young men of Philadelphia" in 1834.
Later poll axes had the nail extractor attachment instead of the circular poll on the end.
Definitely an interesting piece of American history worth exploring.
I recently dug what I believe is an American poll ax tomahawk, circa. 1800-1840, and wanted to share my find on this thread.
When I first dug it up, I instantly knew it was "something" and not just another ordinary hammer. I've dug enough hammer heads and axes, and tools to know something was just different. So I began to do a little research.
I admit that my knowledge on poll ax tomahawks is limited so anybody that can chime in with any additional information is appreciated.
I'm still in the process of cleaning it but I think I've got it to the point where you can make out enough detail from my photo.
I've also attached a photo I got off the internet of a complete poll ax tomahawk for visual comparison.
One thing I discovered is that poll axes were popular items used during the French & Indian War and American Revolution.
They also saw extensive use on the frontier by trappers and explorers.
The circular end of the poll ax was used as a hammer and routinely used to kill animals that were being trapped without having to waste a gunshot or damage the hide or meat with the blade end.
A little interesting side note: Davey Crockett was presented an engraved poll ax from the "Young men of Philadelphia" in 1834.
Later poll axes had the nail extractor attachment instead of the circular poll on the end.
Definitely an interesting piece of American history worth exploring.
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