This edged weapon is a rare, original Pattern 1861 “Dahlgren” bowie knife often referred to as the Plymouth Naval Rifle Bowie Knife Bayonet. Designed in 1856 by U.S. Navy Admiral John A. B. Dahlgren for use aboard his ship, the USS Plymouth. This knife replaced the saber-style bayonet that was first issued with the Plymouth Whitney rifle musket. Produced for the Navy by well-known arms maker Ames Manufacturing Company of Chicopee, Massachusetts.

This knife features an unfullered, bowie-shaped, spear point blade 11 ¾” long with a modified clipped point tip on the obverse side. The 3/8" thick steel blade is bright and in excellent condition with only minor fine scratches. Stamped clearly on the obverse ricasso is “1861” while the reverse ricasso bears the maker's three-line mark of "AMES MFG CO / CHICOPEE / MASS".

Knife has a one-piece pommel, guard and back strap of heavy brass with a one-piece walnut grip fitted between the pommel back strap and the guard. Butt of the brass pommel has numerous small dings. Bottom of the walnut grip features four finger grooves for a positive grasp. Three copper pins secure the wood handle. Button and spring clip to lock bayonet onto musket still operate easily.

The original leather scabbard is unmarked and in equally good condition as the knife. Both the throat and tip are constructed of brass while the sheath portion is of black bridle leather. Leather surface exhibits a very few small cuts and scrapes otherwise in very good condition. The stitching along the length is tight and strong. Brass throat collar features a brass “button” belt stud and remains tightly secured to leather with four thin brass pins. Brass tip is just missing one of the four thin brass rivets.

Here the opportunity to own one of the rarest and unique edged weapons of the American Navy in the Civil War.  [jet]

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