In 1861 Colt reached an agreement with the government to purchase Model 1841 rifles at $10.00 each, alter them to .58 caliber, fit them with sword bayonets, and then sell them back to the government for $18.50 each. From February through June 1862 Colt sold 10,400 of these altered guns, plus a very few in November 1861, back to the U.S. government. The bayonets were fitted to the rifle by use of a simple split-ring adapter with lug mounted on the barrel. The bayonets were ordered from Collins and Company, but were not marked with the firm name. Ours has just a date, 1861, and a mating number of 4510 on flat of the grip, which would be matched by number stamped on the bayonet lug and barrel of the altered rifle since there was final hand finishing and fitting involved.

The brass hilt has a mellow, aged patina with very few signs of age. The locking spring and button are rusted and frozen. The blade shows mostly bright with gray areas of oxidation, but is smooth metal, lightly pitted, and shows an edge free of nicks or chips and a good point.

A good example of this bayonet for the Colt altered Mississippi that saw service in both the eastern and western theatres.    [ad] [ph:L]

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