This is a Model 1855 Saber bayonet manufactured by the Harpers Ferry Armory for the Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifle. The bayonet measures 27 1/4" overall, with a blade length of 22 1/2". Each side of the blade has a 17 3/4" stopped fuller. The blade has a dull steel gray patina with patches of surface oxidation scattered about. There are no stamps on the blade, as is correct for the Harpers Ferry made Model 1855 bayonets intended for use with the Model 1841 rifle. The brass hilt measures 4 3/4" and has nice mellow golden patina. It is retained to the blade by a single iron pin and has 17 rings cast into it to provide a grasping surface. The brass cross guard is 3 3/4" high, with forward canted round finials at the top and bottom, with the upper one being very pronounced. The mortise for the bayonet lug has a narrow channel 1" in length in front of it. This was for the guide key used on the Mississippi rifles altered with bayonet lugs added to the right side of the barrel. These bayonet lug alterations were performed by the Harpers Ferry Armory as well as Whitney in 1855. The bayonet release and locking spring are missing. The hilt is marked on the top flat just behind the muzzle ring with an S, likely an inspector, and R 31on the front side of the upper finial. This indicated which weapon the bayonet would fit, as they were not interchangeable from gun to gun. The scabbard is in well used, complete but less than fair condition. These Model 1855 bayonets were issued with two different variations of scabbards. The earlier scabbards had a round stud on the throat to accommodate a cut out in the bayonet scabbard frog. The later scabbards had a raised bar on the throat. This scabbard has the earlier throat with the stud. The brass throat and tip are still present and securely attached to the leather body of the scabbard by two brass pins. The throat has a dark chocolate patina, while the tip lighter patina. The leather shows significant wear from service and retains practically none of the black outer surface, leaving it in the buff. The stitching on the back seam is completely missing. This is a pretty rare bayonet to encounter from the Civil War, with less than 10,000 being produced overall, and just over 2400 of them specifically intended for use with the Model 1841 rifle. While the condition is slightly less than spectacular, if you own a Mississippi altered by Harpers Ferry or Eli Whitney for a saber bayonet, you gotta have one of these!

Item # AA3313

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