Revolutionary War American belt knife, as in books and museums

Being offered is an American belt knife with an iron single-edged blade. It measures 10 1/4” overall with a 6” clipped point blade, tang is inserted into a wooden handle with a brass ferrule and iron guard, c.1770-1800.

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, were provided by the soldier. 

Though we have been led to believe there was a strong gun culture in America at the start of the war, a study of probate records (recordings of property ownership) indicate that less than one fifth of farmers and merchants owned a firearm.  Muskets were the military’s main priority and often supplied by the government. 

Therefore, a mixed bag of knives were used – all brought from home. In “Collector’s Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution”, by Neumann and Kravic, there are examples of similar knives as well as in the Fort Plain, NY Museum (see pictures). This knife is in nice condition, still tight and solid.