Produced by an unknown maker, the intended use of this very distinctive Confederate weapon is a matter of some speculation; Abels' "Classic Bowie Knives" (page 66) asserts that it was likely intended as a combat knife that could also double as a pike head or bayonet, while Albaugh's "Confederate Edged Weapons" (page 165) suggest that the rings integral to the guard and pommel are too small for an appropriate rifle barrel or pike staff. The Confederates were known to have explored the pike as a combat weapon, as well as having experimented with non-standard bayonets for the variety of sporting rifles and shotguns pressed into combat service. The unfinished interior of the rings may have been intended to be fitted out by an end-user or armorer to match a specific barrel or staff, though some form of retention hardware would need to be provided. The heart of the weapon is a large bowie knife in the archetypical Confederate style, 16 5/8 inches overall with an impressive 12 inch long clip point blade, fitted with a fine flat-sided wood handle and brass furniture. The guard and pommel are both thick and rugged brass with dual "quillions" on both, an upturned hook on the front and a brass ring on the back. The rings have an external diameter of about 1 1/4 inches and an unfinished internal diameter of 7/8ths of an inch. The sheath is of brown leather construction, with brass fittings.

Fine. The blade shows a mixed gray patina, with signs of sharpening, scattered patches of pitting, a nick at the tip and a few more along the true edge. The brass fittings show an aged patina, with a small casting error visible in the guard ring and some mild dings and dents. The grip is also fine with a few dings and exceptional grain. The incomplete sheath is rough, missing the tip. A fine Southern combat knife in an unusual pattern.