RARE – Revolutionary War Halberd, recovered at the Champlain Valley, NY

This is another one of those unusual items being offered, it is an original Revolutionary War Halberd. It is hand-forged iron and measures 14” x 2 ¼” wide. It was recovered many years ago at the Champlain Valley, NY.

The Champlain Valley played a crucial, strategic role during the Revolutionary War, particularly in the Northern Campaign. Key events included the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, the Battle of Valcour Island, and Burgoyne's Campaign, all of which influenced the war's trajectory. The valley's waterways, especially Lake Champlain, provided a vital invasion route, and control of the area was essential for both the British and the Americans.

Halberds, while present during the Revolutionary War, were not widely used by either the Continental Army or the British forces. Although they had symbolic value and were carried by some sergeants, they were largely replaced by firearms on the battlefield.

Halberds were among the first weapons captured by American troops. One was captured during a raid on British lines outside Boston. Despite this capture, they were not widely adopted by the Continental Army.

They were standard British issue early in the war, carried by sergeants.  However, by early 1776, British sergeants were instructed to replace their halberds with firearms. The British largely abandoned halberds in America.

The example offered here is in very nice condition, indicative of an early recovery. There is a possibility that it went through electrolysis at some point in time to remove crusted rust. In “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”, by Neumann & Kravic, there are examples of some of these halberds (see pictures). This is one of those pieces that rarely come up for sale.