Revolutionary War Axe dug at Mt. Independence, VT by Frank Kravic in 1961 (ON HOLD,N)

Being offered is a rare, documented axe which was dug in 1961 by author and historian Frank Kravic at Mount independence, Vermont. It measures 8” x 4 ½” x 2” and weighs four pounds. He marked the axe with  “MOUNT / INDEPENDENCE / VT. /  AMERICAN / REV. WAR /  FRANK / KRAVIC / AUG. 1961”. He also has a signed note with this information.

Mount Independence on Lake Champlain in Orwell, Vermont, was the site of extensive fortifications built during the Revolutionary War by the American army to stop a British invasion. Construction began in July 1776, following the American defeat in Canada, and continued through the winter and spring of 1777.

With far fewer men than the year before, the Americans did not have the troops to man a position at Mount Independence. Soon the British were bombarding the Americans at their leisure. Worse yet, they could see every move the Americans made.

On July 5, after debating the options, a council of officers agreed to retreat and in the first hours of the morning of July 6,  the American army abandoned Mount Independence, leaving the majority of the artillery and supplies. The German Prinz Friedrich and British 62nd regiments occupied the posts while the rest of Burgoyne’s army pushed on in pursuit of the fleeing American forces.

This is an important artifact from the Revolutionary War with excellent provenance. Frank Kravic co-authored “Collector’s illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution” and there is a picture of this same axe included (see pictures).  There is a nearly identical example of this axe on display at the Fort Ticonderoga Museum (see pictures). There are very few relics still available that were recovered from Mount Independence. Kravic knew it was an important piece, which is why he documented it so well.

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been difficult 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 Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity and price. I am already seeing a substantial increase in purchases.