Embedded Files
Information about this bayonet
This bayonet is not maker marked but it is believed to be made by Ames. With the exception of the press stud and spring, it has an Ames hilt type #1. The smooth ribbed brass hilt is 122 millimeters long and has 16 ribs. The muzzle ring is flush to the hilt flat and the inside diameter is 20.7 millimeters. 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 45 millimeters long spring are typical Collins construction. 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 a 12.5 mm guide slot. The serial number is usually found on the hilt flat and may be a 5 digit number or a C, followed by a five digit number.
The Lock-to-Muzzle Length is 98 millimeters.
The yataghan blade is ~508 mm long, 28.6 mm wide, 8.2 mm thick and has unstopped fullers. The only markings on the one observed example is the Sharps serial # on the hilt flat and the number 16 on the butt of the pommel.
Information from other sources
Special thanks to Randy Baker for discovering this variation and bringing it to my attention.
----------
From the book SHARPS FIREARMS The Percussion Era 1848-1865, Sharps’ New Model 1863 Rifles were first ordered by the US Ordnance Department in late 1864 and delivered thru June of 1865. Most were provided with socket bayonets but about 1000 were configured with “stud and guide”. This shortened guide allowed a socket bayonet to fit those rifles as well.
The unique feature of this bayonet is a ½ inch (12.2 mm) guide slot instead of the previously used 1 inch (24.4 mm) slot. Most of these bayonets were apparently made by Collins but some Ames examples may exist. Most of the bayonets were made from surplus blades previously dated 1861 and 1862. No examples of latter dated blades have been recorded.
Many of these rifles were made from previously serial numbered parts in store from earlier rifle production resulting in a wide range of serial numbers with some overlapping of earlier model ranges. When the serial numbers reached 100000 Sharps started listing the number as C,00000.
The bayonet was matched to the rifle with the serial number stamped on the flat of the hilt. Numbers in the range of 36989 – 40000 were sporadically used but numbers in the range 43500 – C,49539 are more commonly found.
Speculation and questions
Based on the style and markings found on this bayonet, I believe it was made for the Sharps Model 1863/65 Rifle. I also believe that the difference in the lock-to-muzzle length is large enough to warrant the creation of a second bayonet variation for this rifle. At least until more information is collected.
Yes, it could be for an unidentified rifle of the same time period.
Yes, it probably would fit the same rifle that Variation 1 fits but the rifle's muzzle would protrude 4 millimeters further beyond the muzzle ring. Why make such a modification to the bayonet without changing the lug position on the rifle? One has to assume that there are two variations of the Model 1863 rifle with different bayonet lug locations.
Example #1840 listed as a Variation 1 has been modified by removing approximately 2 millimeters from the blade side of the muzzle ring. A curious modification. Could it have been to make it fit a Variation 2 rifle?
Also, the only, so far, recorded Sharps Model 1863 bayonet made by Collins has a 102 millimeter lock-to-muzzle length.
Any information, ideas or opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Example Reference # 1865
Example Reference # 1865
Note! All measurements are in millimeters
Note! All measurements are in millimeters
Muzzle Ring Diameter -------- 20.7
Overall Length ---------------- 624 **
Hilt Length -------------------- 122
Blade Length ------------------ 502 **
Blade Width ------------------- 28.6
Blade Thickness --------------- 8.2
Lock to Muzzle Length ------- 98
Press Stud Spring Length ---- 45
Guide Slot Length ------------ 12.5
Lug to Stop Length ----------- 13.7
Lug Slot Width --------------- 5.0
Lug Width -------------------- 8.9
Lug Thickness ---------------- 2.0
Lug Depth -------------------- 6.3
** Blade tip has been repointed reducing the length by several millimeters.
This bayonet is serial numbered C, 48767 vertically on the hilt flat between the guide slot and the muzzle ring. The pommel end is stamped 16. The blade is unmarked.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse