This Federal accoutrement is an original angular socket bayonet made for the Spencer Army. All 10,000 breechloading Spencer rifles contracted by the Ordnance Department were to be fitted with these angular bayonets. Shank of this unmarked weapon is at a right angle to the socket, setting the blade away from the bore of the muzzle.  Triangular blade has a spear shape and has a locking ring at the socket that secured the bayonet to the Spencer rifle front sight. Produced by the Spencer Repeating Rifle Company, 11, 500 bayonets were made and all exhibit no markings. 

This specimen is 18” long, ¾” wide, 3/8” thick and weighs 11 ounces. Socket is 3” long with a bore diameter of .813”. Unshortened blade bears a dull gray finish with tiny speckles of light peppery pitting overall. Appears to have been cleaned at one time. No edge nicks. Original socket bayonets for the Spencer Rifles are difficult to find. This specimen offered at a reasonable price makes a nice addition to any US military edged weapon display.