Collins Civil War-Era Hospital Corps Machete Knife 

Description

Collins Civil War-Era Hospital Corps Machete Knife 

Civil War-period Hospital Corps machete manufactured by Collins & Company of Hartford, Connecticut. The knife features a brass pommel, stacked leather washer grip, brass crossguard, and heavy steel blade marked “COLLINS & CO. HARTFORD” near the ricasso. Accompanied by its black leather scabbard with brass fittings, this pattern was designed for use by hospital stewards, medical personnel, and support troops where a compact cutting tool was required. Dating to approximately 1862, it remains one of the more distinctive edged weapons associated with Civil War medical service. 

Known by collectors as the Hospital Corps Machete, it was created in 1862, by the famed Collins Company of Collinsville, Connecticut. The company started out in 1826 as an axe manufacturing company and as the company grew, so did the variety of items produced, mainly farming tools. In 1845 the company started making machetes and then later on evolved into pulling government contracts for edged weapons. 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!  Some were, however, sold to New York State militia—and issued from 1862-1865. 

Inventory Number: EDG 142