Measuring about 21 3/4 inches in overall length, this weapon follows the archetypical profile of a Confederate combat knife, with a thick, sturdy blade terminating in a clipped point, and the rugged single piece handguard which lends the "D-Guard" its name. While such a weapon could serve a soldier as a utility tool during quieter moments, it was, first and foremost, an efficient weapon of last resort bridging the gap between the "Sheffield Bowie" which might have insufficient reach, and a full size sword or bayonet-equipped rifle which would be cumbersome to carry about and limited in tight quarters. The blade is 17 inches long with a 5 1/2 inch unsharpened straight back clip, nearly 2 inches of width across the base, and a thickness of about a quarter inch at the flat spine. The grip is a single piece of turned and grooved hardwood with a pewter ferrule at the top installed inside the steel guard, which is flared slightly at the knuckle bow, flat at the pommel, and terminates in an upturned and tapered rear quillion. Included with the knife is an unmarked rivet-reinforced rawhide sheath and a woven red cloth belt with leather hardware.

Very good. The guard shows a deep aged brown patina, and the blade shows a mixed brown and gray, with mild spotting and handling marks overall. The blade shows traces of old hand filing and sharpening, and a few nicks and scuffs on and near the edge suggestive of use and metal-on-metal impact. The grip is also very good with a few scuffs and small chips. The sheath and belt are in rough condition, appropriate for age and wear, with tearing and staining of both.