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To some, ceremonial axes, borne by early 18th century festive
Saxony Guild miners, are even more arresting. Scores feature
wooden hafts inlaid with white staghorn, scrimshawed
plaques depicting miners at work and worship. Others,
in addition to off-set, decorative, pierced angular
blades, feature staghorn plaques engraved
“The Major”
with foliage, human figures, crossed patented water
pick-and-hammers, and the crowned arms rake (golf club),
of Saxony. head shaped like an
Tomahawks, sin- up-turned garden rake.
gle-handed, forged James R. Brown, Melrose ,
axes prized by Scotland, ca. 1903, realized
Native American $3,107 in 2004.
tribes, including photo: Heritage Auctions
Mohawks, Sioux, Iroquois, and Cheyenne, also muster great interest.
Blacksmith-forged cattle branding irons with wooden handles, OV quarter Despite their dreadful connotations, explains George P. Belden in
circle; FT, AED, realized $567.63 in 2007 Twelve Years Among the Wild Indians of the Plains (1875), these
photo: Heritage Auctions, HA.com
implements “are seldom used by Indians as weapons, and, notwith-
standing they passed into history as a deadly instrument, they are
red and orange-red to orange-yellow, the ideal heat for forging. Then,
steadying their molten mass on anvils, they (or an apprentice) struck more for ornament than use.” Ones featuring simple hatchet-like
heads with plain, wooden handles are fairly common. Those featuring
it into shape with massive sledgehammers. porcupine quillwork,
Though smithing was difficult, work was plentiful. As a
result, few blacksmiths needed to supplement their incomes with dramatic beaded drops,
farming. In fact, many eventually became wealthy, leading members of punched blade designs, or
their societies. attractive hardwood hafts,
With the advent of inexpensive, low carbon steel in the mid- however, are more desirable.
1800s, followed by mechanical production of countless copies of Tomahawks traced to a
identical designs, the need for wrought ironwork declined consider- particular blacksmith or
ably. Yet architectural elements, brightly painted or incorporating military engagement, such
ornate, cast-iron sections, remained popular. Pair of whaling harpoon heads, as the Battle of Little Big
As American settlers spread westward, with leaf form and toggle head Horn, are extremely col-
blacksmiths came along. In addition to tools, form , as invented by Lewis lectible. So are forged arms
wheels, and farming implements, they forged Temple in 1848; lg. 31.75”, traced to the Revolutionary
scores of identifying cattle branding irons. American, 1800s, realized War, like a single-edged
History buffs may also find their hand-forged $615 in 2014 knife blade and shot chain
photo: Cowan's Auctions, Inc. set, possibly used by General
horseshoes, hitching rings, bridle bits, stirrups,
spurs, and snow knockers (used to knock ice and snow from Benedict Arnold’s forces
horseshoes) desirable. during the Battle of Valcour Early Cradle Scythe, mixed woods and iron,
with traces of original red paint. American,
Island, New York in 1776.
Whatever their choice, 1800s, 49" x 44", realized $115 in 2005
A Plethora of collectors value hand- photo: Cowan’s Auctions
Collecting forged implements not only for their historical worth and stark
Options beauty but also because they reflect every day, long- ago lives. A set
of wooden 19th century ice skates, featuring elf-like, curled metal
Cooking and baking fans, tips, for example, may show visible wear. A heavy, sheet metal
as well as interior decorators, may weathervane may boast original painted stencil work—or be
find forged domestic gadgets pocked with bullet holes.
enticing. Who wouldn’t welcome Prices vary widely. Though small hand-forged works in good
vintage ice tong, wafer iron, condition may fetch
spoon dipper, dough scraper, under $100, fine,
wheel pie crimper, hat hook, or older ones typically
candlestick accessories in their command many
rustic, shabby chic, traditional, times more. Rare,
or colonial-style homes? unusual finds, like
Collectors with agricultural a 20th century
roots may cotton up to wrought patented “garden
iron-teethed rakes, carcass splitters, cradle rake” style golf
scythes, single-handed sickles, or silage- club, a 19th century
Tomahawk displayed on trade slashing pumpkin choppers – especially high-wheel “bone-
card from the Arms of All ones rust-free with original wooden shaker” bicycle, or
Nations series, promoting Allen handles. Fishing fans may find 18th a 17th century
& Ginter Cigarettes, 1887 toe-to-heel steel
century eel spears or fish grabbers (which
helped land fish) fascinating. Some, on the other hand, seek long, plate designed to
spear-like harpoons, fine not only for fishing, sealing, and whaling – protect the grave
but also in warfare. diggers’ feet from strikes
Others hunt for vintage battle-axes, war scythes, daggers, pike heads, to the boot made by their
or halberds, popular from the 14th through the 16th century. These spades, are often the
fearsome pole weapons, featuring wrought iron ax blades topped by most costly—and most
spikes mounted on long shafts, were doubly versatile. Added hooks at collectible—of all.
their back dealt with mounted foes. Elaboratly painted
iron window grille

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