The Winchester-Lee 1895 Straight-pull rifle was the primary issue long arm of both the US Navy and Marine Corps from 1895 to 1900 and thus at the forefront of American expansion to a global power. An initial contract for 10,000 rifles for the navy in 1898 was followed by another for 5,000 in 1899. Of the first contract, some 1,800 were marked and issued to the Marines. It was a Marine battalion armed with these that first landed and came under fire in Cuba and a group of them was found aboard the USS Maine when the ship was salvaged. They also saw service in the Philippines, China, and other “little wars” of the era.

All of these bayonets were made by Remington, but Hardin (p.154) reports that some, like this, are unmarked. The bayonet led the way in its reduced length. The 8 5/16 inch blade was the shortest in US service until the introduction of the M1 bayonet. Hardin, p. 154, called it, “short, lightweight, and effective.”

This has a blade in good condition. The metal is an even silver gray, but has scattered small pitting indicating it was cleaned some time ago. The grip and hilt, however, are exceptional. The metal is a light, silver gray, even in tone, and showing just a few darker gray spots. The blade bears the Remington company marking in one fuller. The wood grips are fitted tightly to the metal, have good color and no marring at all.  [sr]

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