Lot 107

Desirable American Belt War Axe

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Desirable American Belt War Axe

Estimate: $3,500 - $5,500

Starting Bid: $2,500

(0 Bids)

by Rock Island Auction Company
June 27, 2026 5:00 PM CDT
Live Auction
3600 Harwood Road
Bedford, TX, US 76021

Desirable American Belt War Axe On the American frontier in the colonial era, hand axes of various designs were popular multi-use tools as well as weapons. Multiple designs evolved over the years, often borrowing from other utilitarian and war axe designs. These "hatchets" were widely used by riflemen during the French & Indian War and American Revolution. Spiked poll belt war axes could be used as tools similarly to fire hatchets and were also well-suited for combat similar to traditional battle axes historically used to pierce through armor and other hard materials, including thick bone. The axe head on this belt war axe is 6 1/4 inches long and just 1 inch at the edge. The handle is 17 3/8 inches in length. At this size the axe is far less cumbersome to carry. Soldiers in war often shed heavy and unnecessary equipment early in campaigns. However, since riflemen were not equipped with bayonets, they relied on their belt axes and knives in hand-to hand combat, including at the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780, in South Carolina where the Overmountain Men surrounded and soundly defeated Ferguson and his Loyalist militia. Belt axes continued to be widely used on the frontier long thereafter, but the by the mid-19th century "Bowie" knives had largely taken their place.

Manufacturer: None

Model: None

Class: Other

  • Provenance: The Henry Bishop Collection
  • Condition: Fine with dark brown patina and oxidation on the head and general mild overall wear.

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $199 $10
$200 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000