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$450.00 ON HOLD
Quantity Available: 1
Item Code: 1273-94
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. As is correct, this specimen has just a date, 1861, and a mating number of 6997 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. A small sub-inspector letter “G” also appears near the muzzle ring.
The brass hilt has a mellow, aged patina with just light wear. The locking spring and button are intact and functional. The blade is a gray tone with dark brown spotted oxidation covering much of the blade. The edge is fine with only a single very small nick; has a good point.
The accompanying scabbard is in very good overall condition. Leather remains strong with no folds or breaks. The stitched seam remains unbroken. The initials “OR.GA” are cut into the backside. The brass throat and tip are securely in place with a very dark, almost black patina. The “button” mount on the scabbard throat is through the cut on the bridle leather frog. The stitching on the is complete and unbroken and the belt loop is also complete and strong with no cracking. The only “issue” is that some old leather treatment needs cleaned off the leather, especially along stitch lines. This should be easily accomplished with an old cotton sock.
A good example of this style of bayonet rig for the Colt altered Mississippi that saw service in both the eastern and western theatres: some 5,000 were shipped to the St. Louis Arsenal in May 1862. [jet][ph:L]
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