Expert: Ralph Salier - 9/23/2009

Question
QUESTION:   Hi, I found this while I was Meteorite hunting.  It looks like an arrow head made of metal with the end bent.  Let me know what you think.
Thanks
John

ANSWER: Hi John,  

It is hard for me to tell based on this one photo.  Would you kindly send me 3 more.

1) on its side
2) on its back
3) with a ruler so I can tell how long it is.

The "tang" or the part that would go into the arrow shaft may be bent from use.  But chances are
the damage may have occured during manufacture.

If you could send the other pics, that would be helpful.  Is it magnetic?

Thanks
Ralph

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:   I had to barrow a camera for the photos, but yes I have a total of 4 photos of it.  Yes it is magnetic and it is 3 inches in length and real close to 3 inches in width. I can only send one photo at a time with this option to talk to you. Let me know if you need any better information with a email address, that way I can send you multiple photos at once.

Thanks
John

ANSWER: Hi John,

Please send pics to rsalier@hotmail.com.  

I suspect that the item is a trade item from around the 1850's.  Trading posts used to trade metal tips for arrows for blankets and other goods from the Native Americans.  I'll have a better idea once I see the pics.

Ralph

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION:   I tried to send all 4 photos to the address you gave me, but the mail was rejected.
 I have already sent you 2 out of the 4 pictures I have. Here is a picture of it on its back.

Answer
Hi John,

That is ok.  Sometimes the file size is to big for the system.  From the two you sent to me, I believe that I can verify that this is a trade arrow tip.  These were made on stamping machines in Connecticut or Massachusetts between 1835 and 1876 for use in trade with various Native American tribes through out the West.  These along with beads and other trinkets were well favored by the them.  They of course preferred the Winchester Rifle and Whiskey but most sensible traders did not provide these.  

The tell tail feature is the square tang.  This would have been inserted into the shaft and then tied down with sinew lashings.  Since these arrow tips were balanced, they performed much more efficiently then the old stone ones.  But it also lead to many more animals being slaughtered then were needed.