Campaign Axe
PeriodCirca 1860
Place MadePossibly New Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumSheet iron, pine
Dimensions32.5 × 7.88 × 1.5 in. (82.6 × 20 × 3.8 cm)
ClassificationsPolitical Memorabilia
Credit LineMuseum Purchase, 1963
Object number1998.721.1
DescriptionA curve-handled axe, constructed as a parade prop, comprised of a curved and chamfered pine handle, attached to a sheet-iron axehead, with a curved "blade" and pointed spur. The axehead is attached to the handle with a single iron nail.NotesThis axe, along with its matching parade torch (see accession number 1998.721.2) can be considered a rarity in American political folk art. The axe and torch were props carried by supporters of Abraham Lincoln during the 1860 Presidential campaign. One of Lincoln's early jobs as a rail splitter (where he used an axe to cut lengths of wood for fencing) was used by his supporters to emphasize their candidate's strength, hard work ethic, and "frontiersman" qualities. The handle of the axe helps to date this unusual item to the LIncoln-Douglas campaign period, as curved axe handles were not in use until the mid 19th century.
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