This is a scarce US military knife bayonet. Kiesling gives total production as 2800, with 1500 going to the Philippines and 500 to Cuba for field trials in response to complaints that the standard bayonet for the Krag Jorgenson was not sharp enough to cut branches or brush and it was hoped this was better adapted for jungle warfare. It is an impressive and well-proportioned weapon. The hilt is the standard Krag form and the bayonet could be used on the M1892, M1896, and M1898 Krag Jorgenson rifles. The blade has a ricasso and thin diamond cross section formed by two shallow unstopped fullers, along with a dangerous looking Bowie-style clip point, but the knife was too delicate for its other intended tasks, no better as a bayonet, and met the fate of other attempts at combination bayonets such as the M1873 and M1874 trowel and entrenching bayonets.

The metal is bright, showing some minor gray age spots on the pommel, with the only corrosion on the hilt being on the grip washers on the left and on the back of the upper crossguard and muzzle ring. The blade shows some darker pinpricks near the median ridge on the obverse and at the very tip. The “US” stamp on obverse ricasso and “1900” date on the reverse are crisp. The point and blade edges are good, including the short back edge near the guard. The ricasso is smooth and bright. The rest of the blade shows as very finely grained, almost frosted, polish. The wood grips have a tight fit, good color, with some scratches and lines, but with narrow ridges and grooves showing some scratches and drag lines, but distinct and with no loss of detail from handling and rubbing.

The scabbard is in very good condition with swivel belt loop and ball finial in place and very full, thin blue original finish showing just some rubbing on the reverse of the belt loop from wear and rubbing to the reverse of the throat from the swivel. The lower reverse tip of the scabbard shows some rubbing, small dent and what may be an old repair.

This is a scarce US issue bayonet that would fill out a bayonet collection and look equally good in a display of Spanish-American War and Philippine Insurrection arms and equipment.  [sr] [ph:m]

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