Description
This is a very rare Civil War knife with an equally very interesting history. Collins began manufacturing these knives in 1862 but failed to get a government contract.
Most got sold on the secondary market but after the Civil War ended, the Army did adopt a similar knife but wouldn’t award the original designer/maker, Collins, a contract! Typical even back then…I’m from the government and I’m here to help….
Some were, however, sold to New York State militia—and issued from 1862-1865.
