First half of the 19th century. English iron trade head with maker's name. Fine hardwood haft carved with a pierced open side bar cage below the pointed tip. The forward segment with a delicate raised fin below the socket Haft with fine glossy patina from handling. Few tiny chips to the butt edge. The head with old brown patina mixed with raised surface rust, stabilized in antiquity. Among the first Melanesian Islands to be discovered (1606), New Hebrides Islands was were named by Captain Cook in 1774. The discovery of sandalwood in 1825 brought in Polynesian workers which led to an armed uprising of indigenous Melanesians. This battle axe very likely participated in that uprising.
