Lot 108

Desirable American Belt War Axe

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Desirable American Belt War Axe

Estimate: $3,000 - $4,500

Starting Bid: $2,250

(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 Axes as both tools and weapons have been in wide use throughout human history for millennia. On the American frontier in the 18th century, light multipurpose hand axes became particularly popular, both with American frontiersmen and Native Americans. Multiple designs evolved over the years with the various designs suited for different purposes such as the iconic tomahawks popularly trade with Native Americans. Many of the "hatchets" as they were often called in the period carried by American riflemen had different poll designs suitable for use as tools such as the hammer poll axes. Spiked polls as seen on this example could be used both as a tools similar to a fire hatchet and to pierce through hard materials, including thick bone, making them fierce weapons. The axe head on this belt war axe is 8 5/8 inches long and just 1 1/2 inches at the edge. The handle is 18 1/8 inches in length. At this size the axe is far less cumbersome to carry. Soldiers in war often shed heavy and unnecessary equipment, but belt axes were critical for American riflemen during the Revolutionary War since their rifles could not be mounted with bayonets, but they were already very familiar with using axes.

Manufacturer: None

Model: None

Class: Other

  • Provenance: The Henry Bishop Collection
  • Condition: Very good with dark brown patina and light oxidation on the head, minor crack in the well-oiled handle, and general mild 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