This is a an excavated sword hilt recovered along the Potomac River near Hancock, Maryland. This hilt is not from a regulation sword, but looks to be earlier than the Civil War period. It measures 4" long and is 3" from the knuckle bow to the top of the guard. This piece was recovered on private property near where the Battle of Hancock took place. This small battle took place on 5 and 6 January, 1862 during Stonewall Jackson's Romney Campaign. The battle consisted a light skirmishing and a two day artillery bombardment of the town of Hancock by the Jackson's artillery. After two days the Union garrison, commanded by Brigadier General Frederick Lander, refused to surrender. On January 7 Jackson withdrew his forces and set out for Romney, West Virginia. This little iron sword hilt could have already been there when this battle occurred, or could have been left behind by some recruit soldier that had brought his daddy's or grand daddy's sword with him! It would make a nice starter piece for the young collector.

Item # AA2130

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