This Federal accoutrement is an original angular socket bayonet made for the US Flintlock Musket, Model 1816 longarm. The term ‘angular bayonet’ refers to the type most commonly used by infantry soldiers.  This bayonet was the first American bayonet to include a uniformly ground flute and the first specimen to employ the “T” mortise in the socket. Another characteristic on the M1816 bayo is the point / tip that was designed as a blunt ‘slash’ tip instead of the sharper pointed pattern. The triangular blade exhibits a spear shape and has no locking ring at the socket.  Handsome and nicely finished, this specimen is 18¾” long overall, a 15¾” long blade, with a 3” long socket and a .828” bore diameter.  A strong, clear “U.S.” is stamped into the flat shank.  Directly below the US mark are the initials of the government inspector “W L”.  Blade bears a dark gray mottled finish with scattered speckles of light pitting overall. No edge nicks. Production of the Model 1816 socket bayonets continued at the Springfield Arsenal until 1840 and for another four years at the Harper’s Ferry Arsenal.  Some 580,000 units were manufactured at the armories. A very good M1816 bayonet specimen.