RARE – 17th century small Entrenching Tool, recovered at Victor (Fox Hill), NY (SOLD)

This is a very early and rare piece coming out of a 60-year collection of French & Indian War/Revolutionary War artifacts. Being offered is a 17th century entrenching tool, ca. 1650 – 1690, measuring 4” x 4 ¼”. This unique hand-forged piece was recovered in the early 20th century in Victor, New York (see pictures).

These tools are the oldest style of metal manufacturing known for trade in North America. They were being traded to American Indians by the Spanish as early as 1520’s – 1540’s; the French from about 1560-1750’s; and the British from 1674-1690’s.

Entrenching tools were a big asset for Native Indians to plant the very important crops they needed for survival.  As firearms became more effective, the need for soldiers to quickly dig their own fortifications became more critical, leading to the development of individual, man-portable digging implements such as this.

During the second half of the 17th century, the Fox Hill area that is now in Rochester, NY was part of the larger, more sparsely populated frontier region of Western New York. In 1690, the area now known as Victor, New York, was part of the territory of the Seneca Nation and was home to the Seneca village of Gannagaro (also known as Ganondagan).

The tribe abandoned the village and the area after being severely attacked in 1687 by French invaders from Canada. They were trying to control the lucrative fur trade. There are similar tools in “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution” by Neumann & Kravic (see pictures).

This crude spade-shaped tool is in very nice condition – no chipping or flaking. Originally,  it would have a rectangular wooden end measuring 3/4” x 7/8” with the rest of the handle probably at least 14” long.

Revolutionary War and French & Indian War artifacts have always been hard to find. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all these early relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price.