18th c hand forged American Revolutionary War Period Fascine Knife

Description

American Revolutionary War Period Fascine Knife ca. 1760-1800
Description
: A fine mid to late 18th c iron hand forged fascine knife with the makers mark initials “
W B R
” or "W E R" inside a cartouche at the top the blade, single edge blade. Found in upstate NY. Probably English
Condition
: deep dark untouched patina, missing its wood handle, overall a great early piece.
14"long
“
Fascine knives
used to cut branches that were tied into fascines. Also used by artillerymen and engineer companies for protection. Fascines – bundles of branches tied together to enforce embankments or to fill in trenches before attacking troops.
Fascine Knives. One of the common cutting tools of colonial soldiers was the fascine knife (also known as brush hook or brush cutter). It was a side arm/tool issued to both American and British light infantry, engineers, and artillery (including German troops). It served both as a personal weapon and as a tool to cut fascines and clear brush when needed. Fascines are bundles of branches and sticks used to reinforce defensive embankments, trenches, and earth ramparts protecting artillery batteries.  They were carried by detached infantry before attacking troops. These bundles filled pits and ditches dug before forts and redoubts allowing the assaulting troops to cross.  Quite a few of these knives have been excavated from Revolutionary War sites indicating their popular usage. These knives were often over a foot long, heavy, however most were carefully balanced. The blades were often curved in a loop design and the back blade was
not sharpened.”
-
Revolutionary War journal -
Knives of the American Revolution