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 20 3/4", with a blade length of 17 3/4". The blade still has traces of the original bright finish, but the blade now displays mostly a steel gray patina. There are a couple of small spots of oxidation on the blade. The socket has just a spot or two of the bluing left. The locking ring and tension screw are still in place and operate normally. The flat part of the blade near the socket has four stamps. The crown, what appear to be the initials of IJ, the name of F. PRESTON and MANCHESTER are stamped on the flat. The letter G is also stamped on the right elbow of the bayonet. I have not been able to find out any information on the initials I.J, but it is known that Preston was one of four known makers of bayonets with engraved numbers on them. While this bayonet does not have an engraved inventory number on it, it is very possible that this bayonet could have been purchased by the Confederate government. One thing is for certain, this is a nice example of a P1853 Enfield bayonet that was certainly around during the Civil War.

Item # AA2953

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