Davy Crockett Ceremonial Hatchet, 1835
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.”
- Object Name
- Tomahawk
- associated date
- 1835
- associated person
- Crockett, Davy
- 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
- ID Number
- PL.030118
- catalog number
- 030118
- accession number
- 13152
- subject
- Political Campaigns
- 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
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