A FINE EUROPEAN-MADE COLONIAL/REVOLUTIONARY WAR PERIOD FASCINE KNIFE WITH WOOD GRIP, a. 1760-1800:: In overall very good untouched condition. Sickle-form, 8″ x 1 3/4”, unmarked, single edged, hand-forged, blacksmith-made blade with a sickle-type, light-weight cutting-hook without a rear axe-blade. Retains a gunmetal-toned age-patina with some light patches of forge roughness, pitting, wear and evidence of use. Single piece, turned, hardwood grip with a rounded pommel and lightly aged, smooth surfaces: scattered age/rust-stains and retains its wrought iron retaining collar/ferrule with matching surfaces. In very good untouched condition. The blade with a sharp cutting-edge and a very good grip. Light to moderate signs of use and wear with expected pitting/forge-roughness. A very nice example of a classic Colonial Period European-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 & F. Kravic’s: “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”. Overall length, 14 1/2″.
Images and description courtesy of Paul’s Antique Arms & Armour at: http://www.ambroseantiques.com/swords.htm