US M1855 BAYONET AND SCABBARD - EX-MILLER G.A.R. POST #551, YORK SPRINGS, PA

US M1855 BAYONET AND SCABBARD - EX-MILLER G.A.R. POST #551, YORK SPRINGS, PA

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$450.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 1202-1028

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Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

This is a standard U.S. Model 1855 socket bayonet with its Pattern of 1859 leather scabbard. It came from the relic collection of the Peter Miller Post #551 of the Grand Army of the Republic in York Springs, Pennsylvania.

The bayonet has the regulation 18-inch triangular blade, and "US" is clearly stamped at the ricasso. The steel has an even gray patina with scattered light spotting and some darker staining near the shank. The socket and locking ring are intact and show a smooth, dark brown age patina throughout.

The scabbard is the black leather pattern of 1859. Its frog is still attached by two copper rivets, which show light verdigris. The leather is still supple, but it has overall crazing and surface wear, along with some flaking and a crease about halfway down the body. The brass tip is missing, as the original tag notes. Stitching is also missing along the reverse body seam, though the seam is still holding its shape. The frog is complete, with good stitching and a full belt loop.

Little is known about the Peter Miller Post other than that it closed sometime before 1925. In a letter, respected collector Tom Gorden explained how he and his father found the relics from Post #551 in the 1970s at the home of Civil War veteran David Starry. When they bought the items, the house was owned by Starry's descendants. Starry had served in the 165th Pennsylvania Infantry and the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry during the war, and he afterward joined the Peter Miller Post #551.  Interestingly, during his first enlistment, Starry was assigned to the Military District of Gettysburg after the battle for the purposes of cleanup, ordnance collection and disposal, and body management.  According to records, he mustered out of his first term of service on the square in Gettysburg in late July.

This is a solid, honest Civil War infantryman's bayonet and scabbard. It has a documented history with a small local G.A.R. post and the veteran who preserved its relics - just north of the Gettysburg battlefield.   [cm][ph:L]

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