This is a Model 1873/76 Winchester sword bayonet turned side knife. These bayonets normally are 20" in length, this one is just under 14" with a blade length of 9 1/4". The blade is stamped with a Crown over the letter R on the obverse side of the blade. The blade retains a bright finish, with only scattered areas of light pitting, mainly around the hilt area. The brass hilt has a scalloped grip that appears to have been cleaned at some point. it is beginning to age back to a mellow golden patina. The catch mechanism is functional. It is unsure of this bayonet was damaged, or the soldier decided to just make a side knife out of it. These Winchester bayonets are pretty rare, even rarer to have one cut down for a knife!

Item # AA1644