A TRIO OF CONFEDERATE D-GUARD BOWIE KNIVES

American South, ca. 1850–65. A classic study group of blacksmith-made Southern fighting knives likely carried by early-war Confederate volunteers, each with forged strap-iron knuckle-bow (“D-guard”).

Produced by local smiths across the Gulf and lower Mississippi Valley at the opening of the war, D-guard Bowies were intended for close combat and camp utility alike. Their large blades, forged iron guards, and simple wooden grips epitomize Confederate emergency manufacture.

Grouped together, these three illustrate period variation in blade profiles and guard geometry and make a strong reference set for the study of Southern edged weapons. The lot comprises:

1. (Top knife): Massive straight-back, single-edged blade; reverse-curl D-guard; turned hardwood pear-shaped grip. Blade 14 1/4 in. Overall 20 in. long.

2. (Center knife): Broad clip-point blade showing hammer and grind marks; rectangular strap-iron guard; slab hardwood grip pinned through the tang. Blade 13 1/4 in. Overall 18 1/4 in. long. 

3. (Bottom knife): long straight-back blade; narrow strap-iron D-guard; turned hardwood grip set against a short ferrule. The knucklebow is marked with zigzagging lines, possibly forming the letters “VW.”  The blade is considerably cleaner than the guard, though exhibits pitting nonetheless. There is a significant loss to the wooden grip, exposing the tang. Blade 16 in. Overall 21 1/4 in. long. There is a separation to the base of the knucklebow.

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Swords, Knives, Bowie Knives, Knife, Cutlass, Cutlasses, Blades]