Joe Brown's Toothpicks- Pikes in the American Civil War

[Goldenguy]

Here is a really interesting article, along with some good pictures, about the attempt to hastily arm Confederate troops with pikes at the outset of the American Civil War. Although the pikes were never used in actual combat, it is an interesting example of the survival of pole-arms into relatively modern warfare.

http://www.suite101.com/content/the-...vil-war-a94999

Here's another article on the same subject:

http://www.hsgng.org/pages/joebrownpike.htm

[Permalost]

Wow, I'll bet one would get a high bid at an auction.

[DdlR]

Interesting, thanks for the links.

Lances were still quite commonly used in battle up until the end of the 19th century, but more usually as cavalry rather than as infantry weapons.

[Goldenguy]

Interestingly enough, here is an article about abolitionist John Brown's (not to be confused with Georgian Governor Joe Brown) failed plan to arm freed slaves with pikes a few years earlier. (note- this site has pop-up ads)

http://www.cleveland.com/nation/inde...pikes_sti.html

[Goldenguy]

Here's a video taking a look at one of the models with a retractable blade.

YouTube - Unusual Civil War Weapon in the SCCRRMM Collection

[captainzorikh]

Fascinating video. I love the presenter's quite yet wry sense of humor "(They) were not enthused about taking a knife...even a very large knife...to a gun fight..."

I recall a bit of dialogue in the movie "Glory" where someone tells of a unit of "contraband" (freed slaves) issued pikes instead of guns. "Of course they deserted. So would I!"

[CoffeeFan]

Very cool find. I imagine a group of pikemen could be useful in a very specific situation, but better to give them guns.

[SonofSpiridonov]

The Swedish Caroleans along with the Russians were about the only Armies in the the world who used pikes in the 1700's wich gave them and edge up close.
It must have been like the AK-47 of its day, quite low-tech, but effective.

[Goldenguy]

Wow, I'll bet one would get a high bid at an auction.

You're right- somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,500 according to the Antiques Road Show.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/archive/200301A32.html