RARE SOCKET BAYONET FOR THE “DRAKE-ALTERATION” THE M1841 MISSISSIPPI RIFLE

$450.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 490-6787

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

The State of Massachusetts contracted with the firm of A.J. Drake of Boston to alter 1,742 Model 1841 Mississippi Rifles that were in state stores. The guns were unaltered in caliber (retaining their original .54 caliber bores) but had U.S. Model 1855 Rifle-type rear sights added, along with new front sights that doubled as a lug to accept a socket bayonet. The contract with Drake called for the inclusion of angular socket bayonets.

Research indicates that most of the A.J. Drake altered Mississippi rifles were issued to the 46th and 51st Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry regiments. Surviving specimens of Drake-altered Mississippi rifles with regimental marks. These same guns are also marked with an alphanumeric mark, such as “C . 61”, which could be a rack number or a number to mate the rifles and bayonets. Most examples of Drake bayonets have similar alphanumeric marks on the top of their sockets and these marks are one of the key identifiers for this pattern. The profile of the bayonet is very much like the Spencer Rifle and Fayetteville socket bayonets.

Offered here is one of these scarce Drake-contract socket bayonets in very good condition. This example measures approximately 22.75” overall, with a socket length of 3”. Overall surface exhibits a semi-bright patina with dark spotting overall.  The locking ring is complete and freely rotates. Stamped “E . 38” on the top of the socket. [jet]  [ph:L]

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