Very Rare Biscayne Trade Ax

[smokeythecat]

I was out antiquing the other day and came across this ax. It was reasonable and frankly, I didn't have one, and have only found 3 Rev axes - ever, so snagged it because it was reasonably priced.

It is an ultra rare French made "Biscayne" trade ax. These were first traded to the native Americans ca 1520! The site this came off of was visited by the Spanish by 1560 or thereabouts. Just in front of the poll is the touchmark, a cross in a circle and it needs to be cleaned more to see it.

This thing is probably from the 16th century. Latest date would probably be about 1640 or so. All the characteristics are 16th century. Thank you God!

 

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[MetalArchSC]

Wow. What a score! Congrats!

 

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[IMAUDIGGER]

How about a close up of that makers mark?

 

[smokeythecat]

Zoom in on the pic on the left for the mark. You can make out the cross, although it's seen it's better day. And Megalodon, it was a MEMORY, not knowledge that had me get it. Plus I didn't have one. I gave away my Civil War axes and only have one tiny, very tiny other example from a Rev War camp. They are hard to find. Or buy.

 

[Reanm8er]

Fabulous Smokey! Sometimes the little person on your shoulder sucks in a deep breath and says, "Oh My, Look at That!"

BANNER!, BANNER!, BANNER! East coast Spanish Colonial! Are you folks kidding?

Best wishes!

 

[smokeythecat]

I purchased it so can't get a banner, but thanks for the thought. About 25 miles south two years ago I found a Spanish Phillip II 1/2 blanca (copper) cob, looks like a dog ate it. Now here's the rub...it's almost 500 years old! The Spanish were known to have visited here at that time. The locals ran them off.

 

[Reanm8er]

Yeah Smokey! I've read that the Jamestown colony was constantly on guard for Spanish incursion. Some think there may have been some of that!

Best wishes!

 

[smokeythecat]

I'm a couple hundred miles (at least) north of Jamestown, on a county bordering the Chesapeake Bay. The history books tell us in the 1560's and thereafter some Spaniards made it up here. We found a little spot next to a road, which had been an Indian trail and what must have been a small campsite there. We also found a few huge musket balls at the same place. No buildings.

 

[Mudflap]

If ya ever get to Connecticut stop in at the Canton Museum in Collinsville. They have some cool displays of axes and tools made there at the Collins Company. CHM Exhibits and https://www.bnctools.com/blogs/news/the-legacy-of-the-collins-company

 

[smokeythecat]

I go everywhere. Well, not really, but I'll write that down to keep it.

 

[Valley Ranger]

Super find!