Original item: Only One Available. There is probably no more iconic Civil War image than the young Confederate soldier marching off to war with a large fighting knife in his hand or belt. Early war southern ambrotypes and tintypes offer a big variety and sometimes comical fighting knives of various types, often made by local blacksmiths for the boys of 1861 to take to war. The classic southern fighting knife was usually quite large and robust, with an overall length ranging from 12" to 24" and blades ranging from 8" to as long as 18" or longer! Many of these Confederate-made fighting knives featured large "D" shaped guards, earning them the moniker "D" knives.

Over the years, the majority of local knife makers have remained anonymous, though certain traits and characteristics of surviving knives can sometimes help us make broad statements about the likely region or state from which an unmarked knife originated.

The Georgia State Arsenal in Milledgeville, Georgia, is one such identified group of southern knives. This was a complex of three buildings in Milledgeville, each serving a distinct purpose. The old penitentiary, for example, became a factory for a variety of arms, including muskets and bayonets. The magazine was designed to hold gunpowder and explosive ordnance. The final structure, the "arsenal," was a storage facility for various arms and equipment.

This is a fine example of a Georgia State Arsenal Type I D-Guard Fighting Knife. These knives were made with single-edged, clip-point Bowie blades ranging in length from 17" to 18.5" and overall lengths ranging from 22.5" to 23.5". The iron guards had a tapered, slightly forward-swept quillon and a rounded profile along the lower edge.

The knife is still in very good service used condition, with the expected weathering from long service. The blade has a patina with scattered oxidation and age discoloration. The blade has areas of surface roughness from oxidation, and does not show signs of sharpening. The blade has a length of 15”. The blade's edge has a few scattered nicks and dings as well the typical expected wear from handling and use. The D- guard has an oxidized brown patina. The grip is still intact, with no breaks, cracks, or repairs and shows the expected signs of wear and age. It bears the marking WDJ. There is no movement between the grip and the blade, they are very solid. The total length of this Civil War Bowie Knife is 19”.

Overall, this is a solid, completely authentic example of a rare and desirable identifiable pattern Confederate D-Guard Bowie knife delivered to and issued by the Georgia State Arsenal in Milledgeville. This would be a great addition to any Confederate fighting knife collection, as well as a Civil War collection that focuses on Georgia and the deep south produced arms.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 15"
Blade Style: Single Edged clip point
Overall length: 19“
Crossguard: 3”