This is a Model 1816 socket bayonet produced for use with the Model 1816 Flintlock musket. The Model 1816 was the first American made bayonet to use the T shaped mortise in the socket and a uniformly ground flute. The triangular blade has a spear point. The socket has no locking ring, a feature found on later model bayonets. The bayonet has an in the black attic patina. The surface is slick as a whistle, no pitting, nicks dings or anything! there are a couple of tiny little spots of surface rust. The overall length of the bayonet is 18 1/2", with a blade length of 14 1/2". The socket is an unusual 3 3/8" long. The number 18 is stamped into the socket just forward of the T slot. The is no US or inspector marks stamped onto the flat part of the shank. There is a faint stamp on the shank, but it is not legible. These bayonets were produced at the Springfield Armory until 1840 and for an additional 4 more years at Harper's Ferry. There were over 580,000 of these bayonets produced between the two armories. These bayonets were around for the Mexican American and war, and many were used during the Civil War. Every collection should have one of these.

Item # AA876

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