Genuine Confederate Civil War Bridle Cutter Pike Head – Excavated Relic
Offered here is an authentic Confederate Bridle Cutter Pike Head from the Civil War, featuring its original steel blade and partial mounting cup. This rare artifact was likely excavated in South Carolina at the site of a Confederate munitions train destroyed by Federal troops in the spring of 1865—a fiery event that left behind a significant cache of abandoned weaponry, including these distinctive pikes.
Though long spears like this date back to the battlefields of Henry VIII and colonial Jamestown, their use had nearly vanished by the late 17th century. The pike saw brief resurgence in desperate times—used for anti-riot control, guerilla warfare, and naval defense, and later revived during the Napoleonic Wars when firearms were scarce.
During the American Civil War, the Confederacy issued thousands of pikes—including bridle cutters like this one—to poorly equipped troops and civilian militias, particularly in Union-occupied regions. While intended as a symbol of early-war resolve, the quick advancement of firearms and frequent Union captures meant most of these weapons were never used in combat, making surviving examples exceptionally rare.
This excavated piece is a striking reminder of the resourcefulness and desperation of a divided nation at war. A must-have for serious collectors of Civil War militaria or Southern relics.
Shipping will be added upon purchase/email
Offered here is an authentic Confederate Bridle Cutter Pike Head from the Civil War, featuring its original steel blade and partial mounting cup. This rare artifact was likely excavated in South Carolina at the site of a Confederate munitions train destroyed by Federal troops in the spring of 1865—a fiery event that left behind a significant cache of abandoned weaponry, including these distinctive pikes.
Though long spears like this date back to the battlefields of Henry VIII and colonial Jamestown, their use had nearly vanished by the late 17th century. The pike saw brief resurgence in desperate times—used for anti-riot control, guerilla warfare, and naval defense, and later revived during the Napoleonic Wars when firearms were scarce.
During the American Civil War, the Confederacy issued thousands of pikes—including bridle cutters like this one—to poorly equipped troops and civilian militias, particularly in Union-occupied regions. While intended as a symbol of early-war resolve, the quick advancement of firearms and frequent Union captures meant most of these weapons were never used in combat, making surviving examples exceptionally rare.
This excavated piece is a striking reminder of the resourcefulness and desperation of a divided nation at war. A must-have for serious collectors of Civil War militaria or Southern relics.
Shipping will be added upon purchase/email