All About Pocket Knives

Civil War knife - I have a knife that I believe was carried by a Union soldier during the Civil War. He was attached to the 6th Regiment, Wisconsin Infantry, Company F during the Civil War. I am attaching pictures. I would like to know if anyone can give me any information regarding the knife so that I can confirm that it was carried in the civil war. The only markings on the knife are his name and probable hometown on a nameplate. My research shows that a John Schutz from Wisconsin served in the above military unit. The handle appears to be brown bone. The double guard is brass and the blade has a tapered tang. The double edged blade is 7 1/4 inches and the overall length is 11 1/4 inches. The sheath is leather and the large rivets appear to be lead. The center of the blade has a flat rib for the full length. Thanks for any info you can provide.[img][img][/img]

Are there any markings on the tang or guard?

There are no markings on the tang or guard.

OK

I thought I could see a possible tang marking in the first pic.

The knife is totally out of my wheel house but I like it and hope someone here can shed some light on it for you and the rest of us

It seems to me, from reading, that a lot of the fixed blade knives carried during the Civil War were Sheffield. Could be wrong, but that is what I think I remember.

jeknife25:
Sir, it would be an opinion of mine that something of this importance should be asked of a professional. There are a dirth of them available. They all charge a fee.
You must though prepare yourself for their answer if you decide to go this route.
There is always a strong possibility that the piece is not as you believe. Be willing to accept that answer if it is offered by the assessor.
I happen to believe that Bernard Levine would be a good source to go to. He is easily found on the internet. I have nothing as interesting as a possible Civil War piece but I do have a few knives. Find his Web site, contact him and use his serices if you want.
Good Luck,
moss

Thank you for your comments. I will try to contact Mr. Levine.

jeknife25:
Please let us know. Good or bad news it adds to cumulative knowledge.
Thank you,
moss

I'm no expert, but it looks pretty good to me. Style, materials, construction, age, appear very much like what I've seen in museums. I would suggest trying to get a picture of the enlistment rolls for that regiment, showing his name and hometown, to match the knife.

There are a great many fakes, however, and I can also recommend Bernard Levine as one of the leading guys in this field. His opinion is pretty much gospel.

Thanks to you that responded to my post. The knife is one that was carried during the Civil War. I have had it authenticated by an expert. It was carried by a Union soldier from Wisconsin.