Revolutionary War soldier’s belt/side knife (SOLD)

This is another early piece coming out of a 60-year collection of French & Indian War, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812 artifacts. Being offered is a very Revolutionary War soldier’s side knife. It has an overall measurement of 10" and the widest part of the blade is 1".

During the American Revolution, most firearms were supplied by the government, soldiers brought their own knives.  American congress, provincial assemblies, and supply officers focused on stockpiling and issuing firearms.  Iron was needed for cannon, muskets, and rifles, therefore other weapons, such as knives and swords, or necessaries, such as cooking utensils, were provided by the soldier. 

Though we have been led to believe there was a strong gun culture in America at the start of the war, a study of probate records (recordings of property ownership) indicate that less than one fifth of farmers and merchants owned a firearm.  Muskets were the military’s main priority and often supplied by the government. 

Therefore, a mixed bag of knives were used – all brought from home. In “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”, by Neumann and Kravic, there are examples of this knife (see pictures). This knife is in nice condition, still tight and only having a couple surface cracks.

This collection began in the late 1950s and was created by private acquisitions, closed museums, and lake divers. The collector meticulously displayed and cataloged every piece along with any known provenance.  This is the first time this one is on the open market.