Reference # 131

Model 1855 Rifle Bayonet

Unknown Origin

Information about this bayonet

The origin of this bayonet is currently unknown but it is very similar to the Harpers Ferry made Model 1855 bayonet.

The bright blade is 549 millimeters long and has large unstopped rounded fullers. The pattern of the blade is straight with an upturn to the point in the final ~200 millimeters. The smooth ribbed brass hilt is 118 millimeters in length and has 16 ribs. The muzzle ring is flush to the hilt flat and the inside diameter is 22.8 millimeters. There is a forward swept heavy cylindrical finial on top of the muzzle ring and a forward swept round finial on the bottom of the guard.

The lug slot is chamfered on both sides leaving the stop end squared with no guide slot. There are no markings on the hilt or blade.

There is a small steel rivet through the hilt and tang in the center of the guard.

The flat press stud spring is an unusual 45 millimeters in length and the press stud flat is notched in the same manner as the Ames style press stud.

Noticeable differences from the Harpers Ferry Model 1855 bayonet

Information from other sources

There is currently no known information from other sources on this bayonet.

Speculation and questions

The differences found between this bayonet and the Harpers Ferry Model 1855 Rifle bayonet makes me seriously doubt that this bayonet was made by Harpers Ferry. There are just too many subtle details that do not fit Harpers Ferry patterns that have been used consistently on both the Model 1841 and Model 1855 bayonets. But this bayonet is well made with a tempered steel blade and a well formed brass hilt.

So why was this bayonet made and by whom?

A modern reproduction is my first guess. The bayonet in question does not show the level of aging that most Civil War era bayonets show and it could have developed its current patina in the past 40 to 50 years. But, some Civil War era bayonets have kept their original shine from proper care and storage. Its overall fit and finish is below what is normally seen from Harpers Ferry but nowhere near the lower quality found on other well known reproductions. So, why make an expensive reproduction when examples of the real bayonet are readily available? It is not a commonly seen production which makes one believe it was not produced in large numbers. It would be a very complex and expensive production if only a few examples were made.

A Confederate made bayonet for a captured Model 1855 Rifle, a Fayetteville Rifle or possibly an unmarked Georgia State Arsenal bayonet is my second guess. The overall condition is a red flag here but as stated earlier it could have been well stored. The overall finish fits with examples of other Confederate bayonets that have been examined. But, the lack of available information and observed examples makes it a difficult call.

Any information or out right speculation from anyone would be greatly appreciated