Butler and Mclellan Tomahawk
Museum grade reproduction of the famous Butler and Mclellan Tomahawk by Iron John Logan and Stephanie Aust of Iron Tree Forge. Lovingly recreated using historical techniques, materials, and finishes this one-of-akind reproduction is a close (by artist choice not exact) copy of a famous Revolutionary War trophy showcased at the Tower of London and other prominent collections until it's private sale recently for the staggering sum of $540,000!
The hand forged head is made of period wrought iron with a one piece forged tobacco pipe and a steeled bit showing a hammer welded seam just forward of the first molding, exhibits file marks and slight age. Moldings and pipe are deeply filed with undulating Neo Classical architecture and extensive chisel engraving of a sea shell and rays on one side and floral motifs on the other, each cheek further engraved with boarder lines and windy mountain motifs, then tiny rope details at the terminus of each molding and overall finished in a historical burnished "white" luster. The handle is hand carved curly rock maple treated with historical Aqua Fortis reagent and a hand rubbed oil finish, it is sealed to the head with a leather gasket for smoking. Brass mouthpiece with end caps and center band of hammered German silver. Handle overlay of hand dyed and plaited porcupine quills on sinew wraps with the same mysterious pattern as the original. Age and patina by artists, signed and dated 2023
The original tomahawk was made by Richard Butler who was an armourer at Fort Pitt 1765-77 during the French and Indian conflict and later commissioned a captain in the Pennsylvania militia where he gained fame as an advocate for the Shawnee and Delaware people. There he met Lt McClellan who served with the Pennsylvania Riflemen. Butler made the tomahawk and gave it to Mclellan who and carried the weapon with him during the American War of Independence. After his death his brother carried the tomahawk in the battle of Quebec where he was taken prisoner by the British. A British officer plundered the tomahawk and took it as a war trophy back to England.
In a catalogue of ‘the Rarities to be seen at Don Saltero’s Coffee- House in Chelsea’, printed in 1785 in London, number 148 is listed as an ‘Indian tomahawk, taken in the field of battle before Quebec’.
It was purchased by George Greville (1746-1816), Earl of Warwick, for his arms collection at Warwick Castle. It remained there until it was loaned to the Tower of London 1912. It sold to a private American collector for $540,000 in 2020
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