There are several sources of information on this bayonet; Albert N. Hardin, The American Bayonet 1776 – 1964, Rollin V. Davis, Sword Bayonets 1847 – 1865, George D. Moller, American Military Shoulder Arms – Volume III, and Richard A Berglund, The S.A.B.C. Journal, Volume 54, Winter 2005.

With the adoption of the new Model 1855 arms, authority was given to update the current store of arms to the new standards.  The addition of sword bayonets was one of these standards.  Harper’s Ferry was charged with the task of developing a sword bayonet to update the Model 1841 Rifle which was originally designed to not have a bayonet.  In July 1854, two different bayonets were adopted.  Due to the excessive work required in adapting existing rifles to a stud and guide bayonet, the so called “ring bayonet” was chosen to be made for rifles that were already produced (Type I).  New rifles were to be made to use a stud and guide bayonet (Type II).  A .5625 by .3125 inch (14.3 by 7.9 mm) stud with a 1 inch (25.4 mm) guide key was brazed 3.5 inches (89 mm) behind the muzzle.  A total of 4,848 Type II stud and guide bayonets were produced by Harper’s Ferry from 1855 to 1857. 

Initially the Model 1841 Rifle’s muzzle was not sized with the exactness needed to support interchangeable bayonets.  Therefore the early production of the Type II bayonets had to be fitted to the rifle.  Fitted bayonets have an alphanumeric mating number stamped on the upper finial on the cross guard as well as the rifle.  Later production Type II bayonets can be identified by the inspector initials PB/P (Phillip Burkhart) stamped on the ricasso.

Records indicate that 40 Musicians Bayonets were produced by Harper’s Ferry in 1855.  The Musicians bayonet was made so it could be used on the Type II 1841 rifles and is almost identical to the standard Type II bayonet.  However, to accommodate a slide designed to cover the hilt flat, the guide slot has been elongated.