Crude blacksmith-made copy of a British Early Land Pattern Brown Bess socket bayonet. Cut for a bottom bayonet mounting stud.

This example dates from 1770-1780 and is typical of non-regulation bayonets made during the Revolutionary War.

The socket measures 3.625 in. (92 mm.) long. The blade measures 1.165 in. (30 mm.) wide. The muzzle length is 1.11 in. (28 mm.).

Prior to creation of the Ordnance Dept., in 1812, military small arms manufacturing lacked the organization and standardization that is generally associated with U.S. arms. Nomenclature around bayonets produced 1795-1815 is somewhat uncertain, due to lack of standardization and almost continual introduction of design changes.

Schmidt identifies this bayonet as the Springfield Pattern 1807, which was produced from 1807-09. Earlier references may refer to this bayonet as the M1808.

The Pattern 1807 was the first U.S. socket bayonet to have a bridge. The bridge strengthened the rear of the socket against the tendency to spread apart and cause the bayonet to dismount. As can be seen in the third picture at left, the bridge was almost paper thin. Subsequent bayonets, such as the M1816 below, had a more substantial bridge.

In addition, the Pattern 1807 bayonet was the first U.S. bayonet to feature a face flute. As seen in the picture at left, the face flute was only about 5 inches long and was very narrow.

This example was made in 1809, owing to the diameter of the neck. In 1809, the neck diameter was increased from 0.360 in. to 0.435-0.450 in. This example's neck measures .460 in. In 1810, Springfield introduced a longer socket (3.4 in. vs. 2.7 in. on this example).

The only marking is a reference number that would also have been stamped on the musket's bayonet stud. 1809 was prior to the introduction of interchangeable parts, so each musket was produced as a "stand-of-arms," with its own bayonet.

The M1816 had a very long production period, from 1818 to 1840. Early examples were left in the white, while later examples were browned. Both Springfield and Harper's Ferry Armories produced the M1816.

The M1816 introduced the distinctive T-mortise. The point was also unique, resembling the prow of a boat. No other US bayonet type was pointed this way. There is an abbreviated face flute, extending about 9 inches back of the point. The socket length is 3 in. (76 mm.).

This example was made at the Springfield Armory, likely between 1827-1831, by bayonet forger Timothy Allen (based on period records, the initials accompanying the arsenal mark correspond to those of the forger). Beginning in 1827, the neck diameter was increased from 0.435-0.460 in. to 0.460-0.500 in. This example's neck measures .472 in. Beginning in 1832, inspectors placed their initials on the neck, rather than using a punch mark on the blade (each inspector put the punch mark in a different location). This example has the punch mark after the "US" arsenal mark.

I obtained this example from an older gentleman, who purchased it in the early 1960s from the famous Francis Bannerman Sons military surplus dealer of New York.

This bayonet was the second type of sword bayonet manufactured for use with alterations of the M1841 Rifle. This particular alteration required extensive work on the rifle, leading to a third, more economical alteration that used a totally different bayonet.

According to the late Robt. Reilly, only 10,286 bayonets of this type were produced at the Harpers Ferry Armory during 1855-57. I have not yet been able to identify the inspector "SP". Hopefully, further research will reveal the information.

The blade profile is unique. It is not a yataghan, but simply a curved blade with the hilt radically offset to keep the blade point out of the bullet's path. Notice in the second image, how the hilt's upper edge and the blade's upper edge are way out of parallel. This odd blade design was not used on any other bayonet.

The scabbard is leather with brass mounts.

Originally made 1855-1865 at the Springfield Armory, Springfield, MA, for use with the .58 caliber Springfield rifle-musket. Mounts perfectly to my .577 Caliber Enfield Rifle-Musket.

Modified for use on a cadet musket or possibly as a movie prop, by shortening the socket length to 1.875 (48 mm.).

Similar examples turn up periodically, so were done in quantity. No way to know who altered them (Bannerman, one of the movie houses, or ?).

The M1835 bayonet was made from 1839-1855 at the US Armories at Springfield, Illinois, and Harpers Ferry, Virginia. This example is identical to the M1835, except for its tapered blade shoulders. The M1835 had scalloped blade shoulders, like the Enfield bayonet pictured above. Tapered blade shoulders were not introduced until 1855.

Perhaps this is a replacement made 1856-59 when existing M1842 muskets were rifled at the national armories; or early in the Civil War, when the M1842 Rifled-Muskets were pressed into service.

Approximately 10,600 Sharps 1863 and 1865 rifles were delivered to the U.S. Government during the Civil War. There were two different socket bayonets produced for these rifles: a M1855 style socket bayonet made by Collins & Co., and what is known as the "Drake Pattern" socket bayonet, of which this is an example.

The following correspondence with socket bayonet specialist, Pierre Renoux, documents it’s authenticity: "I've received your pics and dimensions and I can only confirm what you already thought. Your bayonet is definitely a Sharps model 1865 (sometimes called second type) of the Drake pattern.

I checked the dimensions of mine and they are matching with yours.  As my bayonet is sure a Sharps, expertized by the late Bob Reilly and Dick Marsden when I bought it in the States, yours is too. 

Another specific point for stating it's a Sharps is the location of the stop stud on the socket, not 90 [degrees] of the shank, but ca. 140 [degrees], and it's obvious on your picts.

Be a happy man, it's certainly a scarce CW bayonet."

The beautiful high-polish blue finish illustrates the painstaking workmanship exhibited on these rifles and bayonets.

Leather scabbard hanger is for a 1.5 inch belt and was made at Watervliet Arsenal, Watervliet, NY.

The scabbard is attached to the leather hanger by two small tabs, one of which is riveted to the leather.  According to Reilly, this is indicative that this scabbard was made prior to the riveted tab being phased out in the early 1880s.

The cadet rifle was shorter than the standard M1873 infantry rifle, since its primary use was for drilling.  However, the cadet rifle was made to the same standards as it's full-sized cousin and was every bit as accurate and lethal.

There were approximately 22,000 M1873 Cadet Rifles produced during its 20-year production period.

The M1892 bayonet was based on the Swiss M1889 bayonet, made for use on the 7.5 mm. M1889 Schmidt-Rubin straight-pull bolt-action rifle.

This is an early example, made in 1895 at Springfield Armory.  It has been arsenal overhauled during or after 1899, as evidenced by the rough grips held by domed rivets.  Pre-1899, the grips were sanded smooth and the rivets flush. The "US" ricasso marking was nearly obliterated by the polishing done during arsenal rework.

I obtained this piece from an older gentleman in Benecia, CA. He indicated that it had been his dad's.  His home, which I visited, was approximately 1 mile from the old Benecia Arsenal. He indicated that a relative had worked at the Arsenal. It has been documented that Krag rifles were overhauled at Benecia Arsenal.

The condition of this example is exceptional, with bright metal and no rust or staining. The blade still had cosmoline on it when I obtained the piece.