Reference # 246

P.S. Justice Rifle Bayonet

Type 1 Variation B

Information about this bayonet

Type 1B (MRD ~20.8 millimeters; Blade variation 2; Press stud spring variation 1)

This bayonet has a smooth ribbed brass hilt that measures 118 mm long and has 16 ribs. The muzzle ring is flush to the hilt flat and the inside diameter is 20.4 mm. There is a forward swept round finial on the bottom of the guard and no finial on top of the muzzle ring. The shape of the 43 mm long press stud spring appears to be unique to P.S. Justice bayonets. The spring is expanded around the screw hole forming a circular section. The press stud is made in the same style as Ames'. The center of the cross guard does not have a steel rivet through the blade.

The lug slot is chamfered around the top edge and there is no guide slot. The lug slot is 9.0 millimeters deep.

Most examples are stamped with a small font serial number somewhere on the muzzle ring.

The peened end of the blade tang is large and frequently squarish in shape.

The unmarked yataghan blade is 540 millimeters long with unstopped fullers. The beveled blade edge runs to the hilt.

Information from other sources

College Hill Arsenal, PS Justice Type III Saber Bayonet, states that Justice produced 2469 shorter barreled .58 caliber rifles all fitted with a bayonet lug to accept a brass hilted saber bayonet and these bayonets were serial numbered to match the guns they were fitted to. These rifles are now classified into three different types based on their constructions. The bayonet also appears to be different by type as well.

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Rollin Davis, US Sword Bayonets 1847 to 1865, states these brass hilted sword bayonets were manufactured by P.S. Justice. The overall length is 26 7/8 inches (684 mm), the blade length is 22 1/4 inches (565 mm) and the blade width is 1 1/8 inches (29 mm) at the hilt. P.S. JUSTICE / PHILADa is stamped on the left ricasso. The hilt is unmarked except for a small serial number, such as P136 or 225, stamped on top of the muzzle ring that corresponding to a similar number stamped on the rifle.

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George D. Moller, American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume III, states that the Model 1855 rifle-style bayonet stud, on the PS Justice marked rifle, has a 5/8" (15.9 mm) by 3/8" (9.5 mm) projecting foot.

Speculation and questions

See narrative on the P.S. Justice Bayonets Produced page.

Example Reference # 1888

Note! All measurements are in millimeters

Muzzle Ring Diameter -------- 20.5

Overall Length ---------------- 662

Hilt Length -------------------- 118

Blade Length ------------------ 544

Blade Width ------------------- 30.8

Blade Thickness --------------- 8.9

Lock to Muzzle Length -------- 96

Press Stud Spring Length ----- 42

Guide Slot Length ------------- None

Lug to Stop Length ----------- 16.1

Lug Slot Width --------------- 5.3

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

Lug Thickness ---------------- 3.1

Lug Depth -------------------- 8.4

This example has a serial number of 1240 stamped on the left side of the muzzle ring in a small 1 mm font. The blade is unmarked. The brass mounted black leather scabbard appears to be a Type 3H scabbard.