Original Civil War Confederate Knife SC Home Guard Courtney & Tennent Charleston
Courtney & Tennent were importers of various swords, knives, and other military stores for the Confederacy and imported a variety of English pattern swords and bowie knives. Many English firms were contracted and supplied military goods and swords to the Confederate central government through the importer Courtney & Tennent of Charleston, SC. The ricasso bears Courtney & Tennent / Charleston SC.
Cleanly stamped within a rectangle. Entire blade has acquired a pleasing, mottled medium gray patina with areas of light scattered rust pitting on both flats. The etching is clean and superb quality. Maintaining a nice original sheen.This is an excellent example of an imported Confederate bowie knife. The etching was completed stateside possibly under commission by a well-to-do gentleman or Confederate officer.
This knife is well made and heavy. Etched onto the surface of the blade is "SC HOME GUARD". This knife would have been carried by an officer or well-to-do gentleman involved in the war effort. Blade has some areas of oxidization as pictured but is clean and strong. Original stag handle is in excellent condition.
Sterling silver pommel and bolster. Super thick blade and heavy. Original sheath fits like a glove. The silver pommel is fantastic. An eagle with a banner in its mouth is seen, as well as an anchor and a naval cutlass/bowie. From the Civil War era or earlier. 16 1/2" long and a 10" blade. Superb knife in superb condition! A museum quality knife from the war between the states! From a relative's advanced military collection. Thanks for looking and God bless you all!History of the Home Guard. The Home Guard was any of several loosely organized militias in various states that were under the direction and authority of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. Confederate Home Guard units worked in coordination with the Confederate Army, and were tasked with both the defense of the Confederate home front during the American Civil War, as well as to help track down and capture Confederate Army deserters.
The Home Guard was a type of militia for the Confederacy. It had a rank structure and did have certain regulations, whether those were enforced or not. Home Guard units were, essentially, to be a last defense against any invading Union forces. The South Carolina State Guard has provided protection to South Carolina since 1670 when the Colonys first military organization, the Charleston Militia, was formed.
From its earliest days protecting the residents from pirates, foreign invaders, and Native American raids, this militia was the earliest manifestation of the SC State Guard. In January of 1775 the South Carolina First Provincial Congress convened in Charleston.
The Congress appointed a Committee of Safety whose responsibility included command of the provinces military, and decreed that all inhabitants of the colony should be diligently attentive in learning the use of arms; and that their officers be requested to train and exercise them at least once a fortnight. In short order, militia units were organized all over the colony. Leaders such as Francis The Swamp Fox Marion, Thomas Sumter, Andrew Pickens, and organizers of several artillery and naval components, fought scores of engagements against the British during the American Revolution.The SC Militia was also instrumental in taking Florida from Spain in the early 1800s, and individual members fought in the War of 1812 and the Mexican War (1846-48). The item "Original Civil War Confederate Knife SC Home Guard Courtney & Tennent Charleston" is in sale since Wednesday, November 7, 2018.
This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\Civil War (1861-65)\Original Period Items\Edged Weapons". The seller is "relicandroll" and is located in Charleston, South Carolina. This item can be shipped worldwide.