Rare And Important Pierre Choteau Missouri War Axe

composed of a tapering haft, surmounted by a blade of exapnding section, decorated with filed lines on the eyehole, and star punch dots; stamped with "P C & Co." on one side.

The Choteau Family Collection
John Baldwin Collection
Acquired by the present owner from the above

Baldwin, 1995, Tomahawks and Pipes Axes of the American Frontier, p. 20, fig. 32

Baldwin, 2001, Indian War Clubs of the American Frontier, p. 11, fig. 21 and p. 43, fig. 141

Francis, 2009, The Mark Francis Collection of American Indian Art, pp. 124-25

Francis, 2010, The Missouri War Axe: War Tomahawk of the Plains and Prairies, pp. 14-19

Fine condition with typical wear from age/use.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This Missouri War Axe, circa 1780-90, was made by a well known blacksmith and Indian trader named Pierre Choteau, who founded the city of St. Louis, Missouri and had exclusive trade rights with the Osage in the region. It features Choteau's stamp "P C & Co." on the blade. This same touchmark of Choteau's has been documented on several other forged iron implements including a few trade axes, an iron pail and flint striker on display at the Missouri State Historical Society Museum, and additional items at the Museum of the Fur Trade in Chadron, Nebraska, verified by Dr. Jim Hansen. There is also a trade axe head and another iron implement at the Museum of the American Indian with this same Choteau touchmark on it.