Ever the businessman, Sam Colt arranged in 1861 to purchase Model 1841 rifles at $10.00 each from the government, alter them to .58 caliber, fit them with sword bayonets, and then sell them back to the government for $18.50 each, which is nice work if you can get it. He delivered a few in November 1861, diverted some to the state of Connecticut, but carried through on the deal by delivering 10,400 between February and June 1862. The guns were all 1841 “Mississippi” rifles by several different makers, but the adaption method for mounting the bayonet was the same: a simple split-ring adapter bearing a lug was fitted to the side of the barrel. Both barrel and lug were stamped with mating numbers to match those stamped on the bayonet grip flats since there was some hand finishing and fitting involved. This one is numbered “198,” which is very early in the sequence and bears a blade of 1861. The rifles seem to have seen service in different theatres of the war. 5,000 are known to have been shipped to the St. Louis Arsenal for issue.

This one has a nice, undisturbed dark, reddish patina to the brass hilt. There are just some very small handling dings and a few brighter spots from rubbing. The blade is dark, but not pitted, has no nicks, and as is correct bears only the date. Colt obtained the bayonets from Collins and Company, of Hartford, and the firm did not mark them with their own company name. The locking spring and release button are present and functional.  [sr]

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