Information about this bayonet
This bayonet has a typical Collins style long brass hilt except the ribs have a rough textured finish instead of the normal smooth finish. The hilt is 122 mm long and has 14 ribs. The muzzle ring is flush to the hilt flat and the inside diameter is 22.8 mm. There is a forward swept round finial on the bottom of the guard and no finial on top of the muzzle ring. The press stud and 51 mm long spring are typical Collins construction. Examples are usually not serial numbered or maker marked. The center of the cross guard has a steel rivet through the blade.
Typically, the flat of the hilt is stamped with an inspector’s initials B.H. close behind the muzzle ring. The lug slot is chamfered around the top edge and there is a 12.4 mm guide slot.
Single digit inspector marks are also found on both sides of the cross guard above the rivet, on the left ricasso and in the center of the frog stud on the scabbard.
Information from other sources
George Moller, American Military Shoulder Arms, states that 10,001 rifles with bayonets were accepted at the Watervliet Arsenal between April 1863 and January 1864 from E. Remington & Sons. None of these rifles were issued during the Civil War. All 10,000 were still in storage at the Watervliet Arsenal as late as May 15, 1866. The rifles and bayonets were sold to Francis Bannerman on August 8, 1907. The bayonet stud is 1/2 inches (12.7) by 7/16 inches (11.1 mm) with a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) guide key.
Speculation and questions
Most references claim that this bayonet was made by E. Remington & Sons but almost every aspect of this bayonet appears to be made by Collins & Company. Maybe Collins started the production and then passed production to Remington who copied Collins construction in minute detail. Maybe Remington assembled the bayonet from parts supplied by Collins? Maybe Remington just sent inspectors to Collins' factory to approve the production process?
Muzzle Ring Diameter -------- 22.8
Overall Length ---------------- 633
Hilt Length -------------------- 122
Blade Length ------------------ 511
Blade Width ------------------- 27.5
Blade Thickness --------------- 7.8
Lock to Muzzle Length ------- 101
Press Stud Spring Length ---- 51
Guide Slot Length ------------ 12.4
Lug to Stop Length ----------- 13.7
Lug Slot Width --------------- 5.3
Lug Width -------------------- 9.0
Lug Thickness ---------------- 2.3
Lug Depth -------------------- 6.4
This example has an inspection stamp of S on the left ricasso. The right center of the cross guard is stamped L and the left center of the cross guard is stamped C. The hilt flat is stamped B.H. behind the muzzle ring. The original brass mounted black leather scabbard is stamped C on the frog stud.
Muzzle Ring Diameter -------- 22.8
Overall Length ---------------- 632
Hilt Length -------------------- 122
Blade Length ------------------ 510
Blade Width ------------------- 27.4
Blade Thickness --------------- 7.5
Lock to Muzzle Length ------- 101
Press Stud Spring Length ---- 51
Guide Slot Length ------------ 12.6
Lug to Stop Length ----------- 13.2
Lug Slot Width --------------- 5.3
Lug Width -------------------- 8.8
Lug Thickness ---------------- 2.2
Lug Depth -------------------- 6.0
This bayonet has an inspection stamp of S on the left ricasso. The right center of the cross guard is stamped C and the left center of the cross guard is stamped P. The hilt flat is stamped B.H. behind the muzzle ring. The original brass mounted black leather scabbard is stamped S on the frog stud.