The old note attached to this tomahawk signed by Frank D. Low indicates he purchased it in 1883 or 1884 while working at the Worden & Co. general story in Missoula, Montana, from a man who identified himself as a member of the Nez Perce tribe in Idaho. Low is confirmed in period sources from Missoula, and the Nez Perce Indian Reservation is just to the west of Missoula in north central Idaho. The Nez Perce were at war with the U.S. in June to October 1877 due to decades old tensions and ongoing encroachment on their lands during and following the gold rushes. Part of the tribe were subsequently forced south into Indian Territory but were allowed to return to the Northwest in 1885. The head is 6 5/8 inches long including the bowl and has a 2 1/8 inch wide edge, file work, semi-triangular accents with dot patterns, eye-shaped eye, and brass ring at the edge of the bowl. The thin shaft has some brass tack decoration and is just under 19 inches long.

Fine with brown patina, mild oxidation, and mild wear on the head and a missing tack, mild wear, and some thin cracks in the shaft.