U.S.S. CONSTITUTION BOARDING PIKE
U.S. Navy Model 1816 "half pike", 85" long, with a 9 1/4" square-profile blade. The blade is attached to the handle with two iron straps, each secured by three flathead screws. The handle tapers gradually towards the bottom, ending in a bulbous pommel. Near the bottom of the straps, the handle appears to bear the very well-worn carved initials "USN". Further down the handle, there is affixed a brass plaque, bearing the name of the U.S frigate USS CONSTITUTION. The Constitution's stock of pikes was removed from the ship during her refit at Philadelphia in 1927-30, and many were sold to collectors to help finance the restoration. This example was acquired by the military surplus dealer Bannerman's, who likely added the identifying plaque. The pike bears expected age wear and patination, else very good.