In November of 1862 correspondence appears with the Confederate Ordnance Department regarding the production of a new pattern of socket bayonet that was referred to as the “3-Square”. This new bayonet was to be made at the Richmond Arsenal and had a three-sided triangular blade with all sides flat, without any flute in the face or fluting along the two angled sides. The bayonet was made primarily of wrought iron with a “steel tip”, a measure to conserve the steel for more important uses like rifle barrels. These “tips” were known to break off at the joint.

This is an excavated example of one of these Confederate-made 3-square socket bayonets. The end of the socket is broken off and the pointy tip of the blade is missing. Regardless of which damage happened first, this piece was recycled for use over the fire pit.

In relic condition, the metal is pitted. Locking ring remains on the socket. Typed label reads, “C.S. Tredegar bayonet bent into cooking pot hook. Found at Saylor’s Creek.

A rare specimen of a crudely-made Confederate socket bayonet.  [jet] [PH:L]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!