Trade Tomahawk Identification Reproduction or Authentic

[Elizabeth84]

I’m trying to find out how to tell if this is an original or reproduction tomahawk. I’m guessing it’s a reproduction, but would like to know for sure. I’ve seen similar designs on reproductions, but the ones I saw all have smoothly etched lines for the designs on the head, this one looks more like it was chiseled in by hand. This one also looks more worn and aged than the reproductions I’ve found pictures of. The person I bought it from didn’t try to claim it was anything special, just said they didn’t know anything about it.

 

[justjed]

If it's a reproduction, it's well done. The handle shows me nothing to make me think it's been artificially aged. Wish I could be more help! Nice piece, regardless.

 

[burninatorzw]

I suspect it's a reproduction.

The handle shows a broken off tack and an exposed steel shank. I may be wrong on this, but I believe antique brass tacks were solid brass--including the shank. Modern "brass tacks" are usually made with round steel shanks (don't know why--maybe better strength or cheaper or both).

Also, companies sell cast brass heads with steel edge inserts. Brass is very easily reprofiled and engraved so that the cast part can be skillfully given a unique look.

The head you can buy in brass for $35
http://www.redaviscompany.com/0285.html
And can be decorated very nicely. See link below with a brass tomahawk head with steeled edge. Nicely engraved. Anybody today could rub that head down with patina to give the brass a worn, antique look.
http://www.redaviscompany.com/finishedproducts.html
Still, it took some skill to make/fake.

I’m trying to find out how to tell if this is an original or reproduction tomahawk. I’m guessing it’s a reproduction, but would like to know for sure. I’ve seen similar designs on reproductions, but the ones I saw all have smoothly etched lines for the designs on the head, this one looks more like it was chiseled in by hand. This one also looks more worn and aged than the reproductions I’ve found pictures of. The person I bought it from didn’t try to claim it was anything special, just said they didn’t know anything about it.