Battle of Valcour Island, Lot of Two Artifacts

Lot of 2, including shot chain and knife found among relics from the Battle of Valcour Island, New York, October 11, 1776. Shot chain comprised of ball, approx. 2.5 in. dia., with four links attached. Consignor relates that the shot chain was possibly forged at the Philip Skene Foundry on Lake Champlain, New York, for General Arnold's fleet. Single-edged blade knife, 12 in. ln., with a brass guard and wood grip.

One of the first naval battles of the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Valcour Island took place on October 11, 1776. Though the American forces, led by Commander Benedict Arnold, were overpowered by the superior British fleet, they did succeed in slowing the British advance to the upper Hudson River Valley. Throughout the course of the battle, most of the American ships were captured or destroyed, a fact recorded in a recently discovered manuscript titled "A Return of the fleet belonging to the United States of America on Lake Champlain under the Command of Brigadier General Arnold…" and dated October 22, 1776 at Ticonderoga.
Condition Report: Wear commensurate with age.

Knife: Mounting of blade/guard/handle off center. Expected light pitting.