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     By comparison with other known Columbus Naval Iron Work products i.e., their naval cutlass and their large D-guard, it can be seen that this knife follows the same pattern.  I do not think that this knife was a production knife made at the  Iron Works, but more likely a knife made by one of the workman at the Works or a craftsman in close vicinity who copied the Iron Works pattern.  Either way, it was almost certainly made in Columbus, Georgia. 

     This exact knife is shown on page 196 of Collecting the Confederacy.  It is shown in the Naval Swords chapter for comparison with other Naval Iron Works products, but is a knife, not a cutlass.

     The knife is eighteen inches in overall length from pommel to point.  The pommel washer was missing when I purchased the knife, but the outline of the missing pommel washer could be seen on the top of the grip and since I knew that other Iron Works products used an early one cent piece for a washer, I replaced this one with an original one cent piece.  Otherwise, the knife is completely original in every regard; the blade has not been cleaned, yet it remains bright.  Its spectacular tin scabbard fits like a glove.  There are two mounts on the scabbard so that it could be worn on a belt similar to a sword belt, but with very short hangers.  I have seen pictures of Confederates wearing these knife belts, but this is the first knife scabbard I have seen in this configuration.  The scabbard is perfect and has an attractive natural patina.