Reference # 315

Remington Rifle Alteration

from a US M1841 Type II Bayonet

Information about this bayonet

This bayonet is a modification of the US Model 1841 Type II bayonet that was originally made by Harpers Ferry in the mid 1850s.

The ribbed brass hilt is 122 millimeters long and has 16 ribs. There is a forward swept round finial on the bottom of the guard and no finial on top of the muzzle ring. The press stud and 39 millimeter long spring are typical of those produced at Harpers Ferry prior to the US Civil War. There is a steel rivet in the center of the cross guard. The muzzle ring is flush with the hilt flat and the inside diameter is 18.2 millimeters.

The original heavy curved blade with stopped fullers has been shortened to 521 millimeters and repointed in a manner that almost straightens the remaining blade.

The original Model 1841 lug slot has been widened, deepened and lengthened. Plus the chamfering on the top edges as been extended as well. A full length, 82 millimeter, guide bar slot has been cut from the lug slot to the blade.

This example shows inspector's marks, original to the Model 1841, of a small S on the right side of the grip next to the crossguard and PB/P, Inspector Phillip Burkhart, on the right ricasso.

The example is numbered on the front left side of the crossguard. It is unknown whether this bayonet was numbered before the modification or after but numbering in this location has not yet been observed on a Model 1841 bayonet.

The original large finial on top of the muzzle ring has been removed. The muzzle ring was cut and brazed back together to reduce the bore diameter, leaving a visible line where the brazing occurred.

The following pictures compares this bayonet with the Model 1841 showing the similarities in the hilt form and press stud/spring construction. Both bayonets are marked PB/P on the ricasso and stamped with a small S on the grip behind the crossguard.

The bayonet on top is the Model 1841

The bayonet on the right is the Model 1841

Information from other sources

Ed Hull, A Plymouth-to-Remington Rifle Bayonet Alteration, SABC Journal, Volume 34, states that New York City arms dealers Schuyler, Hartley & Graham (SH&G) purchased thousands of Civil War arms in the 1867 to 1900 time period, reselling them in altered or unaltered state to overseas buyers who did not need the latest, most modern arms.

In September 1876, apparently to fulfill orders from the Columbian government for 700 .43 caliber Remington rolling block rifles as well as for an unidentified buyer of an additional 500, SH&G sent a total of 2100 various saber bayonets for alteration. These went to New York gunsmithing firms of Ralph & Shrader, W.O. Starr (of the Starr Armory) and to William Coxford. The cryptic notes in the SH&G journals for the most part merely say "saber bayonets to alter to Rem.43."

But a few journal entries are specific enoungh to identify the bayonets being modified, and amoungst these entries are 929 bayonets identified as "Plymouth" saber bayonets. Of the total, 800 bayonets were sent to W.O. Starr and the remaining 129 to Ralph & Shrader for alteration. All of these altered in September - October, 1876. The journal entry noting the delivery to Starr specifically says, "Plymouth saber bayonets to be cut and fitted to Rem. .43."

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Jason Kaplan listed Example Reference # 5024 on his web side, J & J Military Antiques, as an Evans carbine saber bayonet and states that it fits perfect on his Evans carbine.

Speculation and questions

Ed Hull's article in the SABC Journal and the similarities to the modifications made to the Whitney Model 1861 Navy bayonet (Reference # 316) make a strong argument for source and purpose of this alteration. But the number of slight variations in the bayonet lug and guide dimensions for rifles produced during the period makes it hard to be certain about the rifle/bayonet association. Simple test fitting is a good clue but not absolute proof of purpose.

Without a closer inspection of Jason Kaplan's listed example I can not be certain that they were modified for the same rifle but the unusual similarities and rarity make it a very strong possibility. So, it may be a variation of the Evans bayonet.

Example Reference # 1854

Note! All measurements are in millimeters

Muzzle Ring Diameter -------- 18.2

Overall Length ---------------- 643

Hilt Length -------------------- 122

Blade Length ------------------ 521

Blade Width ------------------- 29.8

Blade Thickness --------------- 8.8

Lock to Muzzle Length ------- 98

Press Stud Spring Length ---- 39

Guide Slot Length ------------ 81.6

Lug to Stop Length ----------- 16.5

Lug Slot Width --------------- 5.4

Lug Width -------------------- 9.8

Lug Thickness ---------------- 4.8

Lug Depth -------------------- 8.0

This example is stamped with a small S on the right side of the grip next to the crossguard. The right ricasso is marked PB/P. The blade side of the crossguard is numbered 87.