Revolutionary War Soldier’s Knife, dug at Fort Plain, NY

This is another early piece coming out of a 60-year collection of French & Indian War, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812 artifacts. Being offered is the remains of a Revolutionary War soldier’s knife, measuring 5” x ¾”. Most of the blade has surface rust (but stable), being in the ground for over 200 years.

This knife was recovered at Fort Plain, New York. It was found in the area of where Colonel Marinus Willett’s Battalion was located. His force was made up of half New York and half Massachusetts troops. The fort was on a hilltop that overlooks the Mohawk River and Otsquago Creek. The site was strategically chosen for its defensibility and valley location.

Fort Plain was built by Colonel Dayton of the American Army of the North (headquarters at Albany) in 1776 on present Fort Hill. It held the American Revolutionary Army Valley Headquarters from 1780 until the close of hostilities in the fall of 1783. Four adjacent small forts formed outposts for the main defense.

The knife remains in nice condition, having some overall roughness, but no real chipping or flaking, and very solid. There is a near identical example of this knife in the Fort Ticonderoga Museum (see pictures). This collection began in the late 1950s and was created by private acquisitions, closed museums, and lake divers. The collector meticulously displayed and cataloged every piece along with its provenance. As with all the pieces in this esteemed collection, a Certificate of Authenticity will be included.

Revolutionary War relics have always been hard to find. With the upcoming of the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding next year, there will be a revitalized interest. Just about all Revolutionary War relics and artifacts will be in demand, which will only add to their scarcity.