This is a Pattern 1853 socket bayonet manufactured for the P1853 Enfield rifled musket used during the Civil War. At the onset of the Civil War both the Union and Confederate governments were importing the P1853 rifled muskets from England. By the end of 1862, early part of 1863 the Springfield Armory was producing enough weapons that the Union no longer needed to import them. The Confederacy, however, did not have that luxury. Throughout the entire war the Confederates imported arms and accoutrements from England and elsewhere. This is one of the socket bayonets that was imported during the course of the war. The bayonet has an overall length of 19 1/2", with a blade length of 16 3/4". There is just enough of the bright finish showing to know that it had one at one time! The entire blade now has a dull steel/gray patina with scattered areas of small oxidized spots. The socket has none of the bluing left and has taken on a matching patina of the blade. The locking ring and tension screw are still in place and operate normally. The flat part of the blade near the socket has several stamps. The makers name Salter & Co./ a crown/B/STA/II are visible on the flat of the blade. George Salter & Company were located on High Street in West Bromwich, Birmingham, England. They were a well known edged weapons maker, and their name has been found on Pattern 1853 socket bayonets with engraved numbers on the sockets. Unfortunately this is not one of the engraved ones! Since the Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle muskets were purchased as "a stand of arms", bayonets would have been included. The bayonet comes with a second pattern 1853 scabbard that has no markings on it. The leather body is in very good condition with strong stitching on the back. The brass throat with integral frog stud and triangular tip are securely attached to the body of the scabbard. While this bayonet does not have the engraved inventory number on it, it is very possible that this bayonet could have been purchased by the Confederate government. There is no way to prove that it was, or wasn't. One thing is for certain, this is a nice example of a P1853 Enfield bayonet with 2nd pattern scabbard that was certainly around during the Civil War.

Item # AA2904

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