November 15 & 16, 2022 Extraordinary Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2022
Abolitionist John Brown ordered 1,000 of these pikes from a Connecticut blacksmith, with intent for them to be distributed to Virginia slaves whom he wanted to rally in a slave revolt he hoped would kindle a general slave rebellion throughout the South. This pike head is one of the 954 pikes Brown actually received, which included those distributed and used during his 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry which resulted in disaster, with the capture of Brown and his small group of radicals. Interestingly, this example was converted into a bowie knife in order to be worn on a belt. The records of stored weapons found at the Kennedy Farm include “150 Broken Handles for Pikes”, indicating that this alteration could have been the result of a raider who wanted to carry a blade rather than a pike. These pikes originally measured 80” in length. The converted pike head features a 9 - 1/8” blade and measures 15 - 1/4” overall. This example is numbered “570” under the crossguard. A large iron ferrule with single heavy screw secures the pike head to its shortened haft, which exhibits several iron nails and nail holes littering its length. The pike is complete with a hand made leather scabbard which is sewn together with thick twin and strands of brass wire. A thick leather belt loop is affixed with wire to the reverse so the pike could be worn as a knife on a belt. CONDITION: The pike head exhibits a heavy chocolate patina with pitting and edge wear. Haft exhibits wear. Scabbard is supple with scattered dents and other blemishes from handling and wear. Traces of glue to the back of the belt loop and along the right side.
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