Bayonet adapters enabled rifles such as the Model 1817 and Model 1841, as well as Southern-made military rifles, to be mounted with bayonets without weakening barrels by dovetailing in studs to engage the bayonet hilts, and they could help militarize civilian rifles bored out to military caliber as well. Boyle, Gamble and McFee made two models of adapter, both consisting of a solid band that has a slight bridge to enable it to slide over a front sight, against which the muzzle ring of the bayonet would rest. The adapter would then be locked in place with a small tightening screw mounted in a slightly raised band on the adapter ring. The first model produced by the firm was unmarked and had a square stud. Their second model, this type, had a “footprint” stud and sometimes bears the firm’s initials and location or the firm’s initials and the patent date. This is one of the even scarcer versions bearing all three stamps: “B G & M / RICHMOND, VA. / PAT. SEP 2, 1861” as well as a mating number to match it with a bayonet since there was some hand finishing and fitting involved. This one is clearly numbered “45,” which has been highlighted with some white paint.

This is in excavated condition with a record of having been found in central Virginia. The name “Alvin Watson,” probably the original finder is written on the band in India ink. The steel tightening screw is, naturally, heavily corroded. The brass body is generally smooth, clean metal showing light brown with some hints of green. The area of the maker stamp shows a little roughness and the stamp is light on the left edge, the “B,” beginning of “Richmond” and “PAT,” but legible.

This is an interesting piece bearing the markings of a well-known C.S. arms maker and a scarce stamping of a Confederate States patent.  [sr]

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