Tomahawks, Pipe Axes by John Baldwin (1995, Hardcover)

Baldwin has produced a number of these type books that cover various Indian related items all with very little or no substance but with lots of high quality pictures. Unfortunately it seems to be the low standard set by other authors writing about such items. These type books are designed to raise the value of the author's collections (& those of other cronies) due to their having been published in a book. However, since these books are self published they do not go through a rigourous review of the facts or subjects represented. Consequently, you get a lot of opinion with no basis in fact.

In one section related in the text where a novice asked Mr. Baldwin how do you know the difference between a fake and an authentic tomahawk his answer is just "YOU JUST KNOW". Apparently he is either unable to articulate it in a book or to people or else he really just does not know. In either case, the author is more interested in trying to impress the reader than than educate. Much of the train of thought is rambling & not clearly expressed.

The dating key to pipe tomahawks is more of the author's opinions which are not substantiated or referenced to any datable examples to authenticate his conclusions. Many experienced collectors and authors would and have disagreed with some of his conclusions on this key. It is certainly helpful to some extent but left with holes in the logic. The author often mentions his conclusions are based on scientific principles and data yet none of his data is presented or even referenced. No measurements are given in relation to dating although the relative small medium and large sizes of the various parts are often referred to. What size eye is large? small? medium? Specific data would have been much more helpful and supportive of his conclusions, assuming he had any. Its apparent the author is not too familiar with what 'science' really is.

Would have given this a POOR rating however the pictures are of very good high quality although the high price hardly makes it worth a serious collector's passing glance. The dating section is helpful but flawed. At ~125 pages the covers are about as thick as the contents. Save your money & buy one of George Neuman's books or Harold Peterson's American Tomahawks--far better references & cheaper.