Collection Highlights
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
1805
1867.306
Oil on linen
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Museum Collections
Luce Center
Dagger: U.S.
Title
Dagger: U.S.
Object name
Boarding pike
Date
1850-1860
Medium
Steel, iron
Dimensions
Overall: 25 5/8 x 4 5/8 x 1 3/8 in. ( 65.1 x 11.7 x 3.5 cm )
Description
Boarding pike with straight, triangular steel blade welded to cast iron hilt with cross quillons and hollow conical grip pierced with two holes at the end.
Credit Line
Gift of Charles McCauley
Object Number
1922.129
Marks
stamped: near center on reverse(?) side: "U. S."
Gallery Label
Boarding pikes were used as weapons aboard warships from the 16th into the 20th century. They were used offensively, in boarding an enemy ship, and also to repel invaders. According to the accession records, this one was received with a tag attached identifying it as "pike used by John Brown of Harper's Ferry." However, this association appears unlikely.
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
