In the mid to late 19th century United States, much of the land west of the Mississippi was still wide open, lawless territory, and dangerous. Each man venturing into the desolate, untamed wilds of the American West was a law unto himself, and responsible for his own protection and for that of his family. Many carried rifles, shotguns, and pistols, but a handy bowie knife or push dagger provided one last reliable line of personal defense. As a truly last resort, shovels, axes, ice picks, and gardening implements could easily be wielded as weapons, and many were used as such. This Antique Mid to Late 1800s Knapp & Cowles of Bridgeport, CT Double Edge “Push Dagger” Tool is in Good condition, with moderate cleaning, scratching, pitting, and patina at each side of the blade, some fading to the “CO” in “COWLES” and “ST” in “STEEL” portions of the maker’s mark on the blade, some scattered nicking and scratching to the handle, and with some overall age wear evident. Most interestingly, it features an approximately 4 1/2” double edge dagger spearpoint blade, sports an elegant solid walnut “T”-handle, and is stamped in inverted fashion at one lower side of the blade with the circular maker’s logo of “KNAPP & COWLES / CAST STEEL”. Knapp & Cowles of Bridgeport, Connecticut was a well known hardware and home goods maker of the mid to late 19th century. They weren’t known for making knives, but it’s certainly possible they ventured into that business. It’s also possible that this piece was some sort of gardening implement or other type of craftsman’s tool, but either way, it’s a well made antique, and would’ve more than adequately fit the bill as a makeshift push dagger in the Old West. It’s complete with the original Antique Brown Leather Belt Sheath in Good condition, with some overall scratching and darkening, and the set is a fine example of a rare, original Antique Mid to Late 1800s Knapp & Cowles of Bridgeport, CT Double Edge “Push Dagger” Tool.