This is a US Model 1855 socket bayonet manufactured for the .58 caliber rifled muskets used during the Civil War. This model of bayonet was in production from 1855 until 1870, resulting in the largest number of bayonets of a specific type to ever be produced. They were manufactured at both National Armories as well as by contractors such as the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company, the Norwich Arms Company, the Providence Tool Company and Remington to name a few. There were even more bayonets produced under sub contract to other vendors, in total nearly 1.5 million! This bayonet has an overall length of 21", with a blade length of 18". There are traces of the original bright finish on the blade, but the overall appearance of the bayonet has a steel gray color. The locking ring and tension screw are still in place and operate normally. The flat part of the blade near the socket is stamped with US, with the stamp being very legible. The letter J is also stamped beneath the US and centered on that stamp. The blade has a slight bend in it 5" from the tip. An 8 rivet Pattern 1864 scabbard accompanies this bayonet, with one of the rivets being MIA. The leather is good condition, with the normal amount of crazing for a piece of 156 year old leather. The scabbard tip and frog are securely attached. This is a good example of a Model 1855 bayonet and late war scabbard that was used on the .58 caliber rifled muskets used during the Civil War.

Item # AA2970

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