Bayonet adapters enabled rifles such as the Model 1817 and Model 1841, as well as Southern-made military rifles, to be mounted with bayonets without weakening barrels by dovetailing in studs to engage the bayonet hilts, and they could help militarize civilian rifles bored out to military caliber as well. Boyle, Gamble and McFee made two models of adapter, both consisting of a solid band that has a slight bridge to enable it to slide over a front sight. The adapter would then be locked in place with a small set screw.

The first model was narrow, unmarked, and had a square stud. The second model, like this specimen, had an elongated stud, is wider than the first model (0.88” wide), and sometimes bears the firm’s initials and location or the firm’s initials and the patent date. This is one of the scarcer versions bearing all three stamps: “B G & M / RICHMOND, VA. / PAT. SEP 2, 1861” as well as a mating number to match it with a bayonet since there was some hand finishing and fitting involved. This one is numbered “14”.

This is in excavated condition and noted as being found in central Virginia. The name “Alvin Watson” is written in marker on the piece and is most likely the finder of the relic. The steel tightening screw is heavily rusted. The brass body wears a nice green patina. The area of the maker’s stamp shows some roughness and the stamping is light on various portions of all three lines, but the stampings are present.

This is an interesting piece bearing the markings of a well-known Confederate arms maker and a scarce stamping of a Confederate States patent.  [jet]  [ph:L]

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