This brass hilt sword bayonet for the M1855 rifle is in very good condition and complete with scabbard. As is the case with the majority of these, the blade is unmarked, likely because, like the rifles, they were only being made at Harpers Ferry and there was no doubt about the maker, though a few do bear a US on one side or the other of the ricasso. Of course, however, these were inspected and this is stamped on the top blade flat with the inspector’s initials “JB,” one of several inspector’s marks known for these bayonets that were produced starting in 1857 in conjunction with the rifles as requested on “Orders for Supplies.” This one predates implementation of a May 1860 directive that a steel stop pin be added just forward of the finger release button of the spring. This would cross into the forward end of the mortise for the bayonet lug to take its impact when mounting the bayonet.

The brass hilt has a very nice, medium patina, with no large dings or age stains, nice surface to the top flat of the grip, good definition to the ribs of the grip and quillon disks, and even some faded blue on the locking spring and screw. The blade has a good edge and point, and shows largely as bright metal with small thin gray spots and just a few darker spots near the tip with a small patch of crusty brown on obverse an inch or so back from the tip that should be cleaned. The scabbard is solid, with a tight seam. Throat and drag are in place and show an untouched, aged patina with some thin reddish-brown age spots. The leather shows crazing overall to the finish, but not a lot of flaking, with a few spots concealed by an old polish, and just some wear spots along the upper and lower edges showing, along with one small flake on the obverse just below the throat that could be concealed.

This would make a great companion piece to a M1855 Rifle, or be a great addition to a bayonet or edge weapons collection. The bar on the throat is in place, so it could even be fitted on a regulation M1855 rifleman’s belt, though Civil War bayonet frogs were also used for them when soldiers used the standard infantry belt.  [sr][ph:L]

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

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

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!