Riflemen were originally supposed to engage the enemy from far enough off that a bayonet would not be needed. A more realistic appraisal had taken root by the time the 1855 series of arms was produced. The sword bayonet adopted for the 1855 rifle was a modification of those retrofitted to the model 1841 rifles. The brass hilt was retained, but the blade was a modified Yataghan style with less of a curve, though with a slight uptick near the point. This is an excellent example. The brass hilt has a medium patina on the sides and belly with just some small dark age spots, and some dark green and black mixed in on the top flat. The spring catch and button are present and functional. The blade is clean, with smooth surface, no edge nicks, and a good point. The overall color is a subdued, silvery gray with lighter spots on the raised edges. There is no rust or pitting. As is correct for this pattern, made only at Harpers Ferry, the blade is unmarked (though some do show up with a US stamp or state inspection mark) and there is just a small sub-inspector’s initial on the top flat of the grip behind the muzzle ring.

The bayonet is complete with its 1855 pattern scabbard. The black leather scabbard body is solid, with good finish remaining and no bends, breaks or wrinkles. The brass throat and drag are firmly attached and have a matching aged patina. The bayonet frog is one of the Civil War universal frogs designed to enable soldiers to carry a sword bayonet even if not equipped with the 1855 pattern rifleman’s belt. The frogs intended to carry the 1855 sword bayonet were slotted to accommodate the upper bar of the scabbard throat and have a leather tab to pass down through it to lock it in place.

This is a scarce bayonet and scabbard for a key U.S. shoulder arm that is complete and in great condition.  [sr]

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