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Noticeable differences from the Harpers Ferry Model 1855 bayonet
This bayonet of unknown origin is very similar to the Harpers Ferry made Model 1855 Rifle bayonet and it appears to be interchangeable to the Model 1855 Rifle. But, there are numerous differences between the two bayonets as well. The following is an attempt to identify some of these differences with side by side pictures and explanations.
Although similar in profile and basically of the same length, the blade of the Unknown Bayonet is approximately 2 millimeters wider through the length of the blade. The Unknown Bayonet blade width is 30.9 millimeters versus 28.6 millimeters for the Harpers Ferry Bayonet, measured at the cross guard. This additional 2 millimeters can be seen in the width of the fullers in a side by side comparison.
The ricasso on the Unknown Bayonet is approximately 25 millimeters long whereas the Harpers Ferry ricasso is approximately 19 millimeters.
The hilt on the Unknown Bayonet is 118 millimeters long whereas the Harpers Ferry hilt is 122 millimeters. The lock to muzzle length of 98 millimeters is basically the same on both bayonets. So, the difference in length is found in the pommel beyond the press stud.
In hand, there is a noticeable heavier weight to the Unknown Bayonet which weighs 1.11 kilograms versus the Harper Ferry Bayonet that weighs .94 kilograms.
Unknown Bayonet
Harpers Ferry Bayonet
The shape of the pommel is an easily seen difference. The Unknown Bayonet has a distinctive angular bend where the flat of the hilt meets the curvature of the pommel butt. The Harpers Ferry Bayonet smoothly curves from the hilt flat to the pommel's beak without forming a bend.
While the hole and side notch for the press stud on the Unknown Bayonet is virtually identical to that found on the Harpers Ferry Bayonet, the finish around the screw hole is very different. The milled slot for the spring on the Unknown Bayonet is clearly made for a flat spring whereas the Harpers Ferry has a deepened circle around the screw hole to accommodate the complex spring typically found on all bayonets produced by Harpers Ferry.
Unknown Bayonet
Harpers Ferry Bayonet
Another easy to see difference is the placement of the steel rivet inserted through the hilt and tang. This rivet is found in the middle of the crossguard on the Unknown Bayonet and in the grip immediately behind the crossguard on the Harpers Ferry Bayonet.
The Unknown Bayonet's crossguard appears to be straight in between the finials whereas the Harpers Ferry crossguard is a little bit curved toward the blade. The overall finish to the brass is more rounded and polished on the Harpers Ferry hilt and it is easy to see on the crossguards.
Unknown Bayonet
Harpers Ferry Bayonet
Another easy tell is the distance from the muzzle ring to the top edge of the blade. The blade is flush with the muzzle ring on the Unknown Bayonet and there are approximately 2 millimeters between the blade and muzzle ring on the Harpers Ferry bayonet.
Unknown Bayonet
Harpers Ferry Bayonet
The Unknown Bayonet has a simple heavy flat spring that is 45 millimeters long. The thinner Harpers Ferry spring is 40 millimeters long and has a complex screw hole. On the backside of the Harpers Ferry spring there is a circular milled out extension that fits into the circular depression milled into the hilt. On the front side of the Harpers Ferry spring there is a counter sunk depression that allows the screw head to insert and reduce its prominence above the springs surface.
Unknown Bayonet on top, Harpers Ferry Bayonet on the bottom
Other than a slightly different shaped cut through the center of the press stud to allow clearance for the rifle's lug, the press studs are the same length and diameter. The shape of the notched foot of the studs are also identical.
Unknown Bayonet on top, Harpers Ferry Bayonet on the bottom
Unknown Bayonet to the left, Harpers Ferry Bayonet to the right
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