See THE AMERICAN BAYONET, A. Hardin, p. 89.) In 1855, Secretary of War Jefferson Davis authorized updating the M1841 rifle to .58 caliber, to be fitted with a sabre bayonet. The ordnance board authorized two versions, one the being the “Snell,” which had a ring attached to the butt of the hilt, and a second version, which did not, and which had a broader ricasso.

This piece conforms to the second version in dimensions and all marking particulars. It is stamped on each side of the ricasso; on the obverse with “US” / “JH” / “1855”; and on the reverse with “Ames Mfg Co.”/ “Chicopee” / “Mass.” All marking are vertical. The blade is 22” in length and the brass hilt 4.75”, w/ a single traverse pin through the guard to secure the hilt to the tang.  Exhibits a darkened patina w/ patches of pitting throughout. Blade Ricasso markings crisp & legible. Hilt display medium dark coppery patina. Traverse pin functional.

The 23.5” black leather scabbard has a center seam, stitching good, w/brass riveted tip and hilt. Leather displays minor dings & slight cracking while remaining solid.  Tip and hilt display patina consistent with hilt.  Bayonet and scabbard marry smoothly.

Excellent display bayonet to accompany a later, .58 caliber, M1841 Mississippi rifle.  [jp]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS,

CLICK ON ‘CONTACT US’ AT THE TOP OF ANY PAGE ON THE SITE,

THEN ON ‘LAYAWAY POLICY’.

THANK YOU!