1124 - SCARCE LARGE 77MM SILVER GEORGE III INDIAN PEACE MEDAL, REVOLUTIONARY WAR PERIOD. This large 3” (77mm) size Peace Medal depicts a bust of the youthful King George III in cuirassiers armor on the front and the British crest on the other side. It is generally believed that this undated large size is the earliest type presented during the Revolutionary War to only the most important Indian Chief Allies of the British between New York and what became known as the Northwest Territories. These were struck from one solid piece of silver and they have an integral fluted border. The medal is pierced at the 12 o’clock position and retains its original cast silver hanger. The front depicts King George III in high relief and great detail. The ribbon is complete showing no die break, as can be found on later examples. There are 7 rivets above the ribbon and one below. Around the edge in block letters “GEORGIOUS III DEI GRATIA”. The opposite side shows the Royal Coat of Arms. Original specimens in this condition are very scarce. These piece medals were presented in various sizes and configurations between the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. CONDITION: Medal shows a mostly bright surface with scattered minor scratches and marks on high relief areas and dark patina in low or protected areas. A very historic and authentic early Indian peace medal. DMG 5,000 - 15,000
1125 - SCARCE CIRCA 1770 IRON BRITISH ORDNANCE PIPE TOMAHAWK BY PARKES WITH ORIGINAL HAFT. For a nearly identical example see number 113 in “American Indian Tomahawks” by Harold Peterson. William Parkes is listed as an English maker and a supplier to the Hudson Bay Company between 1770-1790. The book states that the name appears on a pipe tomahawk shown in the book as number 113 which is from the second half of the 18th century and bears the British broad arrow. For another similar example see figure 26 on page 121. The example shown is an English Ordnance tomahawk c. 1770-1780 for use in North America by British troops and their Native American allies. The head measures 8 5/8” overall with a crescent 3 1/8” cutting edge. The right side near the top of the blade is stamped with a British arrow over an indistinct letter or marker’s mark. The opposite side is stamped “PARKES”. The original haft measures exactly 22” and appears to be hickory. A portion of the leather washer still remains inside the tear drop shaped eye. CONDITION: Head retains a gray patina with some areas of darker heavier patina. Parkes marking and broad arrow stamp are excellent. Blade shows a nick to the center of the cutting edge and one larger chip missing at the top of the cutting edge. Haft is very good showing scattered marks from use. Head is slightly loose due to shrinkage. A very good British Ordnance tomahawk. DMG 4,000 - 6,000
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www.MorphyAuctions.com | May 18, 2021