Ephemera--
John Brown Pike in Upcoming Auction

For those of you with some money to spend on historical relics, you may be interested in knowing that a John Brown pike is coming up for auction by Historical Collectibles (Dallas, TX) on November 12.  (The pike pictured above is not the one on auction by HC.)  For your information, here is the catalogue listing from the HC website:

John Brown Pike Captured by Marine Major William Worthington Russell at Harper's Ferry October 18, 1859. (See Catalog Introduction) Classic form as produced by Charles Blair of Collinsville, Conn. on direct order from Brown for use in his imagined slave insurrection. This example is numbered 420 on the top of the cross guard, blade tang (which has become partially separated from the haft) and the iron ferrule. Overall with deep dark untouched patina, absolutely no rust or pitting and exactly as taken by Russell. The screws are missing from the iron ferrule, although the holes are visible. Retains 25" of the original wooden haft, broken off at the bottom, whether for easy storage and transport by Russell, or at the time it was captured, is unknown. Historic example of this iconic primitive weapon captured by the commander of the Marine contingent that assaulted the firehouse where Brown's raiders were ensconced on that fateful day. Purchased from Russell's direct lineal descendants and accompanied by a sword/notarized affidavit attesting to same.