Davy Crockett Ceremonial Hatchet, 1835

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Description:

Use of the axe as a political symbol dates to the era of Congressman Davy Crockett (1786–1836). Like his fellow Whigs, Crockett recognized the political value of assuming a self-effacing personality. His partisans played along. The Young Men’s Whig Association of Philadelphia, for example, presented Crockett with this ceremonial silver, mahogany, and ivory-tipped hatchet in 1835. One side of its head is engraved, “Crockett.” The other side is engraved with his motto, “Go Ahead.”

Associated Date: 1835

Associated Person: Crockett, Davy

General Subject Association: Political Campaigns

Subject:

See more items in: Political and Military History: Political History, Campaign Collection, Government, Politics, and Reform, American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith

Exhibition: American Democracy

Exhibition Location: National Museum of American History

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: PL.030118Catalog Number: 030118Accession Number: 13152

Object Name: Tomahawk

Physical Description: ivory (?? material)metal, silver (head material)wood (handle material)Measurements: overall: 17 in x 6 in x 1 in; 43.18 cm x 15.24 cm x 2.54 cm

Metadata Usage: CC0

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a2-ead1-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_495534

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