A FINE AMERICAN-MADE COLONIAL/REVOLUTIONARY WAR PERIOD FASCINE KNIFE WITH WOOD GRIP, ca. 1760-1800:: In overall very good untouched condition. The large-size, heavy duty, 11 1/2″ x 3 1/4”, unmarked, single edged, hand-forged, blacksmith-made blade with a curved upper cutting-hook and a small rear axe-blade. Retains a dark untouched age patina with some forge roughness, pitting, wear and evidence of an old re-sharpening. Single piece, simply turned/carved hardwood grip, with lightly oxidized and aged surfaces: scattered age/rust-stains and hairlines: original wrought iron retaining collar/ferrule and tang-peen with matching dark surfaces. In very good untouched condition. The blade with a sharp edge and a very good grip with smooth, surfaces exhibiting moderate signs of use and wear. A very nice example of a classic Colonial Period American-made Fascine Knife, ca. 1760-1800. The type of large knife-axe often used by soldiers for foraging and camp building. For similar examples, please see G. C. Neumann’s: “Swords & Blades of the American Revolution”. Overall length, 17″.
Images and description courtesy of Paul’s Antique Arms & Armour at: http://www.ambroseantiques.com/swords.htm