This is a very professional alteration from a saber bayonet to a side knife. The blade was shortened to 7 5/8 inches and repointed giving it a slight clip point and creating a wide fuller the reaches the back of the blade and then tapers sharply toward the tip. This did not obliterate the Collins & Company markings on one side of the ricasso or the 1861 date on the other. The hilt was reworked accordingly. The locking spring and button were retained, but the lower guard was removed and the muzzle ring cut to split it and melded together to form the upper quillon, leaving an attractive heart or teardrop opening between the two sides of what had been the muzzle ring. The mating number 282 stamped near the lug guide channel. The bayonet is likely for a Spencer or Sharps, with the 1861 date pointing to the latter.

The condition is good. There is age staining to the hilt and the blade, and hammering marks to the guard. A very small chip is missing from the tip. We have no background or provenance for this, but it is an interesting alteration and done by someone with some skill.  [sr] [ph:m]

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

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!