This Civil War relic is a CS-modified socket bayonet in strong condition that was made into a pot hook or body hook. From a Confederate campsite on private fields near Antietam, Maryland, the bayonet was recovered by the well-known relic hunter, Mr. Bill Gavin, and was once part of his collection. Issued to infantrymen, this ‘liver-scrapper’ as they were sometimes called, has a triangular-shaped, 18” long tapered blade weapon with a 2¾” long socket that fit over the muzzle end of the soldier’s musket or rifled-musket. The very tip of the bayo has been broken off with the remaining 3” to 4” upper portion of the blade curved into ‘hook’-like shape that is now perpendicular to the blade body. Heavily rusted, the entire bayonet is strong with no other broken or bent areas.  All metal does show heavy rusting and pitting. No socket adjusting ring. This original Civil War relic bayo makes a fine addition to any Antietam grouping.

This item is from the collection of, and was dug by, the late William G. "Bill" Gavin (1924 - 2010), who was one of the nation's most prominent and esteemed Civil War relic collectors. Following graduation from West Point [Class of 1946], Gavin became a pioneer in applying WWII mine-detector technology to relic hunting. Along the way, he became an avid historian whose collection, with its origins dating back to the 1930's, was enhanced by his acute knowledge of battlefield troop movements. His service to his country included six years in the U.S. Army, followed by a seven year period in which he was a member of the U.S. Army (Ready) Reserve. Mr. Gavin shared his Civil War knowledge via the publication of four books and several magazine articles. In 1963 he authored one of the earliest books on relic buckles (Accoutrement Plates North and South, 1861-65), and in the 1970s established the Rectory Museum in Harper's Ferry, while becoming owner of The Cliffside Inn. He was also the owner of Happy Retreat, the 18th century home of Charles Washington, youngest brother of George Washington, located in Charles Town, WV. The Horse Soldier joins the national Civil War community in mourning Bill Gavin's passing, and is proud to be able to offer items from his exceptional collection.

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