Presented here is an original Confederate edged weapon sometimes referred to as a "Georgia-Style" lance or 'pike'. Joseph E. Brown, the Governor of Georgia during the Civil War, was a proponent of the lance early in the war and he armed his State troops with pikes. In early 1862, Brown issued an executive order to have his State produce 10,000 pikes of the "proper pattern" with steel blades mounted on wooden staffs or poles.

This unmarked specimen from an unknown maker exhibits a diamond-shaped, double-edged 12" long steel blade. Clearly visible on one side of the ricasso are two, distinct, circular dots or punch holes similar to maker's marks or proof marks. We have no information on the dots. Typical of some other style Georgia pikes, the blade on this specimen is straight from the ricasso to the 'spear' point. An iron 3½" long, oval guard rests at the base of the blade and on a circular iron ferrule which caps the wooden shaft. Two, 17¾" long wrought iron straps, a.k.a. ears, extend down the side of the staff from the base of the blade and the ferrule. The original straps are tightly recessed and cross-pinned into the wood with the original pins still tight and secure. All metal exhibits scattered rust oxidation and wears a light-colored gray patina overall. Blade appears to have been cleaned at one time.

Wooden shaft or pole measures 83½" long and has a 1 3/8" diameter. The well-seasoned, straight, hickory wood shaft is solid and strong. No cracks or breaks visible. Portion of the shaft wood surface exhibits a spiral-like design pressed into it, possibly from a set of grips or a cover to aid in handling the piece. Shaft is straight and tapers slightly 1" from the butt end and wears a circular brass band nailed in place. This original 'Georgia-style' Confederate pike is a fine collector artifact and certain to enhance any Civil War relic collection or edged weapon display.