Antique CG Stamped Iron Trade Axe / Tomahawk | Hand-Forged Frontier Artifact

An authentic 18th to 19th-century hand-forged iron trade axe (tomahawk) bearing the distinct, deeply struck "CG" touchmark stamp on the blade cheek. Forged via traditional blacksmithing techniques, the head features a wrapped eye construction with a teardrop-shaped socket designed to friction-fit onto a tapered wooden haft. Showing rich aged patina, forging lines, and authentic historic edge wear, this piece is an exceptional example of frontier-era trade goods exchanged between European blacksmiths, fur traders, and Native American tribes across North America.

Detailed History & Craftsmanship

• The Frontier Fur Trade Era: Trade axes and tomahawks were among the most valuable commodities during the North American fur trade (17th through 19th centuries). Manufactured by colonial and European blacksmiths, these iron heads were traded to Native American tribes and frontiersmen in exchange for valuable animal pelts, primarily beaver.

• The "CG" Touchmark Provenance: Maker's marks or "touchmarks"—such as the "CG" stamp struck into the eye or blade—served as both a blacksmith's signature and a guarantee of iron quality. While various regional blacksmiths utilized the initials "CG" across American colonial settlements and Canadian trading posts, these stamped markings remain highly sought after by military, frontier, and trade-axe collectors for verifying authentic period manufacture.

• Wrapped-Eye Forging Technique: Before industrial drop-forging, trade axes were created by heating a flat strip of wrought iron, wrapping it around a steel mandrel to form the handle eye, and fire-welding the two halves together. A hard, high-carbon steel bit was often inserted into the forward edge during welding to ensure the blade held a sharp cutting edge while the body retained shock-absorbing flexibility.

Dimensions & Weight

• Head Length (Poll to Cutting Edge): ~6.25 inches

• Blade Cutting Edge Width: ~3.15 inches

• Eye Dimensions (Inside Socket): 1.10 inches x 0.85 inches (Teardrop profile)

• Head Weight: ~1.1 lbs (17.6 oz)

• Total Weight (Head with typical tapered haft): ~1.6 lbs (25.6 oz)