Relics of the American West: 1850-1920
Lot 2159:
Description
This classic mid-to-late 19th-century Plains-style skull cracker or war club is a textbook example of indigenous defensive weaponry. The piece features a weighted, spherical stone head securely encased in a hand-stitched rawhide or leather cover, attached to a flexible leather-wrapped shaft designed for kinetic impact. The handle is adorned with a weathered horsehair tassel, a traditional decorative and functional element. Notably, it carries a legacy of historical cataloging, evidenced by an old metal-edged paper tag and a lead seal stamped with the letter “A” on both sides—likely an early 20th-century museum or private collection inventory mark. The leather remains remarkably pliable and stable, showing a rich, authentic patina and some fading to the original dye. Condition assessment reveals a small cut at the flexing “neck” where the head joins the shaft, expected surface abrasions, and heavy oxidation on the lead seal and metal tag rim. H 20″, W 2.5″, D 2.5″. Please see photos for condition.
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