Shawn Gibson Collection

Rollin Davis, US Sword Bayonets 1847 – 1865, claims that Ames made a bayonet with the same dimensions as the Ames Model 1841 Type II bayonet but without the finial on top of the muzzle ring.  It was marked AMES MFG CO / CHICOPEE / MASS on the left ricasso and dated 1860 on the right.  

There are two other bayonets that are very similar to this one.  First, the Whitney Model 1841 Derivative Rifle Bayonet-Type 1A which is near identical except for the width of the ricasso and lack of markings.  Second, the Whitney Short Enfield Derivative Rifle Bayonet-Type 1 which is near identical except for the width of the ricasso, muzzle ring diameter, lack of a guide slot and Whitney style marking found on the muzzle ring.  Together, these three bayonets support the belief that they were made for Whitney by Ames Manufacturing prior to the start of the Civil War.  Clearly they were made by Ames Mfg using an early style blade.  One is dated 1860 which fits the period.  Plus the muzzle ring diameters and lug slots fit the needs for the Whitney Rifles.

Labeling it as a Whitney bayonet is still questionable.  It could be a surplus blade used on a later war time Model 1841 alteration such as the Massachusetts or Maine alterations. It also may be for a yet unidentified alteration contract given to Ames during the pre-war period.