RARE – Revolutionary War Fighting Knife from Cowpens, SC Battlefield (SOLD)

This is truly a great piece being offered, it is a dug Revolutionary war fighting knife. It measures 13 ½” x 1 ¾”. It was recovered many years ago from the Cowpens SC Battlefield (see map).

The Battle of Cowpens was an engagement during the Revolutionary War fought on January 17, 1781, near the town of Cowpens, South Carolina. It was fought with American forces under Brigadier General Daniel Morgan and British forces under Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton, as part of the campaign in the Carolinas.

Tarleton's brigade was wiped out as an effective fighting force and coupled with the British defeat at the Battle of Kings Mountain in the northwest corner of South Carolina, this action compelled Cornwallis to pursue the main southern American army into North Carolina, leading to the Battle of Guilford Court House, and Cornwallis's eventual defeat at the siege of Yorktown in Virginia in October 1781.The battle was a turning point in the American reconquest of South Carolina from the British.

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, had to be provided by the soldier. Therefore, a mixed bag of knives were used – all brought from home.

Excavated Revolutionary War weapons are rare, this is the first knife I acquired. Although there is overall rust, it is very solid and stable, no chipping or flaking. There has been a coat of varnish applied for preservation. Actually, I personally believe that this knife being from such an important battle, should be in a museum.