Beschreibung:

This important knife is very well documented and is accompanied by many letters of provenance, early paperwork and history. It is featured on page 214 of "Accouterments IV" by James R. Johnston. The knife was purchased in August 8, 2003 as lot 82 in the Wright Estate Auction in Baldwinsville, New York. The original 19th century handwritten note with the knife when originally sold still accompanies it and reads "This knife was carried in the Revolutionary War by a Hessian in the British Army. He surrendered to Washington after deserting the British, made rifle powder near Wilmington, Del., until the War closed. Remained in this country, settled in Bucks Co, Pennsylvania. His name was John Fittsinger." On the opposite side and written in a different hand: "Revolutionary Dagger - 1776. Herman Smith now owned by Walter Vail - then to M.E. Vail - then to Douglas MacKecknie." The knife is accompanied by the original auction advertisement and original auction receipt. John Fritzinger died in 1836 and a copy of his original will is included. There is also a detailed letter from Donna Humphrey of the Bucks County Historical Society. She states that according to "The History of Bucks County" and "History of Doylestown Old and New", both by Wm. W.H. Davis, John Fitzinger/Fritzinger was a Hessian soldier who made glazed powder at Sumneytown(Perkiomen Region) and makes mention of a short sword worn by Fitzman at his capture at Trenton. In 1905, when the Bucks County book was published, it is noted that Fitzingers short "sword" was owned by the late Captain William McHenry of Pike County, Pennsylvania. Copies of both books containing excerpts of information pertaining to Fritzinger are included. The knife itself has a hand forged double-edged blade with a wide shallow center fuller. The silver guard is curled at both ends and is engraved with rocker-panel designs. The silver pommel cap and ferrule are engraved. The walnut grip is adorned by eight rocker-panel engraved silver inlays. There is a large oval in the center on each side, one side with period "1776" inscribed in the center. The knife is complete with its original engraved silver scabbard mounts, but the scabbard itself is a very well made and well aged restoration. CONDITION: Blade retains a grey patina with two battle nicks to the one cutting edge. Silver mounts retain an unpolished dark pewter patina, one small inlay is unengraved and appears to be a period replacement. Scabbard is excellent, as restored. A very well documented and important dated American knife attributed to a Hessian soldier. DMG Name Value Blade Length 7 - 5/8" Overall Length 11 - 3/4" Paperwork Provenance