Revolutionary War soldier’s Pocketknife, recovered at Fort Haldimand

This is another early piece coming out of a 60-year collection of French & Indian War and Revolutionary War artifacts. Being offered is a Revolutionary War soldier’s pocketknife, measuring 8 1/2” x ¾”. It is frozen in the open position, and the horn handle is still completely intact. These knives are in the Colonial Williamsburg Museum and the Fort Ticonderoga Museum (see pictures).

It was recovered at Ft. Haldimand, NY many years ago.  Located near the head of Carleton Island, Fort Haldimand was built in 1777 as a staging area for the British during the American Revolution. Molly Brant, a Mohawk leader who worked to keep the Iroquois Confederacy loyal to the British during the war, lived at Fort Haldimand for a time.

Fort Haldimand was a British Revolutionary War fort initially established as Fort Carleton in 1778 under the supervision of Captain Thomas Aubrey on Carleton Island in Jefferson County, New York. Initially named for Sir Guy Carleton, Governor of Canada, and Commander of British forces in Canada. Renamed Fort Haldimand for Sir Frederick Haldimand, Carleton's replacement. Construction was halted in 1783, and the post was abandoned in 1812.

This is the typical pocketknife carried by most Revolutionary War soldiers on both sides. Although it has overall rust, it has been coated for preservation and is very solid. There are examples in “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”, by Neumann and Kravic. Also, there are examples of dug and non-dug pocket knives in just about all of the Revolutionary War museums (see pictures). It is rare to find these knives in complete condition for being in the ground for centuries.

Revolutionary War artifacts have always been difficult to find, and I am fortunate to have quite a few pieces in stock. 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.