The Dagger-tomahawk (pioche)

Characteristics of the Dagger-tomahawk (pioche)

dagger or sword tip blade in a symmetrical or asymmetrical shape
the sword tip shape blades on some specimens may curve up or down
may or many not display circular tapered projections (fleur de lys shape)
length may range up to 12"
found in various French context sites

This type of axe is often referred to as a spontoon type axe and was found on some French context sites. The shape and design may vary to some extent on certain specimens. The French often referred to a specific type of axe called "pioche". Timothy J. Kent has provided records from the outfitters Monière in his book "Ft Pontchartrain at Detroit, Volumes I & II" in which it is noted that this outfitter "...sent at least two varities of these weapons to the Sioux post on the upper Mississippi in 1736. He charged 25 sols for 'small' ones double that amount for 'others'"¹ (415)

Could it be that tomahawk-daggers and pickaxe tomahawks would be in fact the same axe type?

Noted in Saint-Pierre's accounts in Charles Nolan Lamarque's account book from 1 September 1735 to 3 September 1736, Montreal: "1 doz. tomahawk-Daggers @3# 36"
In the invoice for St. Pierre and Clignancour's purchases on the 19th and 20th of July, 1736, we read "1 dozen tomahawk-daggers @3#"
In 1725, the administrators of the Louisiane colony wrote to the directors of the Company of the Indies : "We are sending you a model of axes and pickaxe tomahawks, showing you how these should be for use in this coutry"¹ (411)
In 1734, 500 pickaxe tomahawks were "sent from the town of St.Étienne (same town that produced most of the "boucheron" and "clasp knives" used in the fur trade) to the King's storehouse at Rochefort, to be shipped to the Louisiane colony".¹

Dagger-Tomahawk blade from Fort Detroit , ca. 1750 (Overall length, 8 inches)

Dagger-Tomahawk blade from Ft. Moline, Illinois, ca. 1770 (Overall length, 9 1/2 inches.)

Dagger-Tomahawk blade from from Ft. Moline, ca. 1770 (Overall length, 10 1/2 inches)

Dagger-Tomahawk blade (Ex.Tom Wnuck Collection)

Dagger-Tomahawk type blade (unknown origin)

1. Timothy J. Kent, "Ft Pontchartrain at Detroit, Volumes I & II", Silver Fox Enterprises, 2001.