Reference # 217
Unknown Collins Bayonet #1
Possible Model 1841 Rifle Variation
Information about this bayonet
This bayonet has a typical Collins style short hilt. The smooth ribbed brass hilt is 118 mm long and has 15 ribs. The muzzle ring is flush to the hilt flat and the inside diameter is 22.9 mm. The only example recorded has a two digit number stamped horizontally on the hilt flat between the muzzle ring and lug slot in a 1 mm font. 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. The center of the cross guard has a steel rivet through the blade.
The lug slot is chamfered around the top edge and there is a 23.5 mm guide slot. There appears to be a insert into the lug slot to shorten the slot length several millimeters.
The yataghan blade is ~510 mm long and has unstopped fullers. The only example recorded is marked COLLINS & CO / HARTFORD / 1861 in three straight lines on the left ricasso . It is unusual to find the logo and date on the same side of the blade.
Information from other sources
Speculation and questions
With the reduction in length of the lug slot, this bayonet will probably fit the New York Alteration. According to records Collins was having problems fulfilling their order to Remington to make this alteration. Maybe someone got creative.
Example Reference # 1829
Note! All measurements are in millimeters
Muzzle Ring Diameter --------- 22.9
Overall Length ----------------- 627*
Hilt Length -------------------- 118
Blade Length ------------------ 509*
Blade Width ------------------- 27.5
Blade Thickness --------------- 7.8
Press Stud Spring Length ----- 41
Guide Slot Length ------------- 23.5
Lug to Stop Length ----------- 13.9
Lug Slot Width --------------- 4.2
Lug Width -------------------- 9.0
Lug Thickness ---------------- 2.0
*Sharpening to the point has shortened the overall and blade length slightly.
This bayonet is numbered 46 on the hilt flat in a small 1 mm font. There is a wedge inserted into the lug slot reducing the stud -to-lock length from 17.7 mm to 13.9 mm and increasing the guide slot from 19.8 mm to 23.5 mm. The left ricasso is marked COLLINS & CO / HARTFORD / 1861 in three straight lines. The brass mounted black leather scabbard was found with this bayonet but is not original.