A handsome and well-balanced late 18th to early 19th century. English fighting dagger or naval dirk bearing the maker’s mark “SAUNDERS” stamped clearly on the blade, likely a product of the noted English cutler Cornelius Desormeaux Saunders. Active during the late Georgian period, Saunders was associated with the renowned English edged weapons trade supplying fine quality swords, dirks, and military accoutrements to officers of the British Army and Royal Navy during the age of the American Revolution and Napoleonic conflicts. 

The dagger features a refined ivory-toned grip with elegant fluted carving, simple steel crossguard with recurved quillon, and a sturdy spear-point blade retaining a pleasing untouched surface with scattered freckling and honest age throughout. The overall form is distinctly Georgian in character, combining understated elegance with practical martial utility. 

Weapons of this nature were favored by naval officers, marines, military gentlemen, and private purchasers throughout the British Empire during the Revolutionary War era. Similar daggers accompanied officers serving in North America during the American Revolution, while captured British arms frequently passed into American hands during and after the conflict. Examples such as this remained popular well into the Federal period and the War of 1812, particularly among naval officers and gentlemen seeking compact yet effective sidearms. 

Cornelius Desormeaux Saunders is associated with the celebrated English cutlery and sword-making traditions centered in Birmingham and London — two of the great arms-producing centers of the British Empire. Surviving marked examples are increasingly sought after for both their quality and direct connection to the great military conflicts of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. 

An especially attractive and historically evocative English dirk with strong Revolutionary War associations, desirable maker-marked blade, and outstanding display presence. 

Inventory Number: EDG 141

The post Fine English Fighting Dagger / Naval Dirk by Saunders Revolutionary War Through War of 1812 Era  appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

An exceptionally handsome early naval dirk, circa 1800–1820, exhibiting all the classic characteristics of the late Georgian and early Federal maritime period. The slightly curved single-edged blade measures approximately 10 inches in length and retains traces of etched floral scrollwork near the ricasso on both sides. The steel shows a smooth gray patina consistent with age and shipboard environment.

The hilt features a finely carved bone (or early ivory) grip with crosshatched scrimshaw-style patterning for enhanced grip, terminating in a cast lion-head pommel rendered in high relief with distinct mane and facial features, a motif emblematic of both British and American naval officers’ dirks of the early 19th century. The oval brass guard displays roped and beaded border ornamentation, complementing the pommel’s design.

The original leather scabbard remains present and intact, fitted with brass throat and tip mounts, each with scalloped decorative borders and lacking the suspension rings. Leather shows age shrinkage and surface wear, while brass elements retain their deep, untouched patina and traces of verdigris around the rivets.

Very good overall; scattered oxidation and light wear to blade etching; minor shrinkage and small age cracks to grip; scabbard leather stable with surface flaking. A highly attractive and well-preserved example of an early 19th-century naval dirk, exhibiting refined detail and rich, untouched surfaces.

Dirks of this general pattern were favored by Royal Navy officers and American midshipmen during the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812, blending practical maritime weapon form with decorative flourish. The lion-head pommel and etched blade are consistent with examples illustrated in Gilbert, Naval and Sea Service Edged Weapons, pp. 42–45, and Mowbray, The American Eagle-Pommel Sword, pp. 81–84. A scarce and beautiful example!

Inventory Number: EDG 136

The post 1800–1820 Naval Dirk with Lion-Head Pommel and Scrimshawed Grip  appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

“Bridle-cutter” pike head, with remains of languets, and 1 in. section of Confederate rail. Pike is 18 in. long with approx. 4 in. bridle-cutter. With identification tag #513.Manufactured in the Confederate States of America. 1861-1865, this bridle cutter pike head was recovered from a Confederate munition train traveling between Camden and Bentonville, South Carolina. Destroyed by General E.E. Potter’s Raiders. U.S. Army in 1865. This original Confederate arm and was excavated from the right of way of the old Wilmington & Manchester Railroad. Relevant references are documented in the official records concerning this raid: Hilton Head, April 26, 1865….We marched to that place [Boykins’ Mill] on the 18th and found the enemy intrenched on the opposite side of a mill pond and swamp. After several attempts at different points a crossing was at length effected by the One hundred and second U.S. Colored Troops, and the rebels at once gave way. The trains moved farther down the road. On the following day, the 19th, we drove the enemy from a similar position at Denkins’ Mill on Rafting Creek. At Beech Creek, a short distance to the northward of Statesburg, he made another stand, but the Twenty-fifth Ohio and One hundred and fifty-seventh New York charged through water waist-deep and drove him in complete rout. We moved on the Middleton Depot, and there found the railroad trains we were seeking. On the 20th 18 locomotives were destroyed and 200 cars, more than half of them being filled with subsistence, ordnance, and quartermaster’s stores and railway machinery. On the 21st we began moving toward Georgetown by the Santee Road, and at noon of that day I received a dispatch by flag of truce from Major-General Young, stating that a truce had been agreed upon on the 19th instant between Generals Johnston and Sherman….Edward E. Potter, Brigadier-General.

Inventory Number: REL 067

The post Confederate “Bridle-Cutter” Pike appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

Partner of the Famed – Tucker, Sherrard & Co., Confederate Gunworks Iron bowie knife “D” guard relic handle found in a creek bed adjacent to the Civil War site of the Tucker, Sherrard & Co., Confederate gunworks. Following the Battle of Pea Ridge, March 5th-8th, 1862, there was much talk among the Union soldiers that Confederate Cherokee and Choctaw Indians had reportedly scalped Illinois soldiers, as well as of the Texans, who were said to have smashed heads of wounded Union soldiers with their bowie knives. The “Lancaster Guards” were there at the Battle of Pea Ridge fighting under their leader General James McIntosh. Is it possible a bowie knife such as this was used in such manner? Before Joseph H. Sherrard became a principal in the Tucker, Sherrard Co., manufacturers of a Colt Dragoon type revolver, he was a Lancaster, Texas blacksmith. And when the “Lancaster Guards” (later Company F 6th Texas Cavalry, Ross’s Texas Brigade) marched off to the Civil war in Sherrard made Bowie Knife. August 1861, each departing Confederate soldier was presented a J. H. Long. Each knife had a “steel blade, 16 inches 2 inches wide and about 3/16 inch thick on the back, a wood riveted and the point two edged inches. handle, with an iron guard’ into a tin mounted scabbard”. for about three. This fitting this bowie knife may have looked very much like the display attached to this board.

Inventory Number: IDE 290

The post Joseph H. Sherrard, Blacksmith, Artifact Board appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

Outstanding 1/6th Plate ambrotype of a Southerner “off to war” or Gambler holding a cutlery handled Sheffield bowie in one hand and the leather sheath in the other.   Spectacular unique image housed in a complete leatherette case.

Inventory Number: HAR 106

The post Ambrotype Holding a Sheffield Bowie Knife appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

This striking Civil War-era fighting knife features a scrimshawed bone grip, richly decorated with patriotic imagery. One side displays a cannon, exploding shells, and the bust of a Union soldier surrounded by fine linework in red and black ink. The reverse side is boldly inscribed “Capt. E. S. Jenney”, identifying the owner as a Union Captain. The double-edged spear-point blade shows age-appropriate patina and wear, suggesting field use or prolonged carry. The intricate handle art, likely done as trench or camp art, speaks to the personal pride and identity of the owner—commemorating battles as hinted by the cannon motif. Captain E. S. Jenney served in the Union Army during the Civil War, with accompanying documents and portraits potentially verifying his service. The piece offers a rare fusion of military utility and soldier folk art, making it a standout example of personalized Civil War weaponry. Edwin Sherman Jenney was born in 1840 and became a prominent figure in Syracuse, New York. At the outbreak of the Civil War, he was among the first to volunteer, raising and leading units for the Union Army. Notably, he organized the 185th New York Infantry Regiment, mustering in as colonel on September 22, 1864. The regiment participated in significant campaigns, including the Siege of Petersburg and the Appomattox Campaign. Jenney resigned his commission on February 3, 1865.

Before leading the 185th, Jenney was instrumental in raising the 10th New York Independent Battery of Light Artillery in 1861, showcasing his commitment to the Union cause from the war’s outset. Formation of the 185th Regiment: In August 1864, Jenney organized the 185th New York Infantry Regiment in Syracuse, New York. The regiment mustered into service on September 19, 1864, under his command. Combat Engagements: Under Jenney’s leadership, the 185th participated in several critical campaigns, including the Siege of Petersburg and the Battle of Hatcher’s Run. The regiment was part of the 1st Brigade, 1st Division, V Corps of the Army of the Potomac. Resignation: Colonel Jenney resigned his commission on February 3, 1865. Following his departure, Colonel Gustavus Sniper assumed command of the regiment.

After the war, Jenney returned to Syracuse and resumed his legal career. He became a prominent lawyer and was known for his contributions to the community. Jenney passed away in 1900 in Union Springs, New York. Edwin Sherman Jenney: 1840-1900 Born: Poughkeepsie, NY September 5, 1840 Attended: Hamilton University Princeton University Occupation: Lawyer Died: Union Springs, NY June 28, 1900 Buried: Oakwood cemetery, Syracuse, NY Enrolled April 23, 1961 at Albany, NY as Captain, Company I, 3 New York Infantry Regiment. Resigned October 3, 1861. Organized 10* Independent Battery in November / December 1861. January 31, 1862. Transferred to 3d Artillery Regiment, Battery F. Transferred to 3d New York Regiment of Light Artillery, Battery F, recruited at Syracuse. Colonel, 185th New York Infantry Regiment, organized in Syracuse as The Sixth Onondaga Regiment. The regiment suffered 259 casualties in seven months with the V Corps in the Petersburg Campaign. Jenney was captured at Dabney’s Mill or Hatchers Run 5-7 February 1865. Following his exchange, Jenney resigned in February due to health reasons.

Inventory Number: EDG 123

The post Scrimshawed Civil War Dagger Inscribed to Captain E. S. Jenney appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.

Incredible example of a southern made side knife measuring a massive 18 ¼” overall with a 13” double-edged blade.  The silver / gray blade is well formed with casting flaws and hand finishing throughout under close inspection.  The hand-filed bone grip shows coarser file / finishing marks which have smoothed from handling.  The knife features an oval cross guard and beveled pommel cap.  A truly exceptional example of the most personal of weapons

Inventory Number: CON 526

The post Confederate Bone Handled Bowie Knife appeared first on Union Drummer Boy.