Captain George W. Waddle of the 148th New York Infantry captured this interesting boot knife while exploring the Confederate senate chambers in Richmond, Virginia in June of 1865. The knife measures approximately 8.25 inches long, and features an octagonal wood handle and German silver counterguard. The blade, which is in excellent condition, is diamond-shaped and measures about 4.25”. A black leather sheath, sewn around the edges, protects the blade.

This knife originally came with a large group of material belonging to Lt. Waddle, including his kepi, sash, and sword belt. A record of this lot and the knife’s provenance accompanies the knife.

Waddle, a mechanic from the Finger Lakes town of Geneva, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the 148th New York Infantry in 1862. A good soldier, he was promoted to Captain in 1864 and served for a time on the staff of General John G. Foster. Waddle and the 148th entered conquered Richmond in June of 1865, which is when Waddle explored the ruins of the Confederate bureaucracy and snagged this most interesting souvenir.






[Civil War, Union, Confederate, Weapon, Sword, Saber, Saber, Firearm, Revolver, Pistol, Jefferson Davis, Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant. US Grant, Robert E. Lee]