This page has been created to focus some of the biggest questions in this study in hopes someone can provide additional information. Please contact me via text or email if you have anything to contribute.
Email: lrwilson@ctc.net Text: 704-798-0353
Differences between the Whitney M1841 and M1855 Derivative Rifle Bayonets?
Yes it would be easy to say that M1841 saber bayonets have a guide slot and M1855 saber bayonets do not. But with all of the parts and pieces going on with the "Good & Serviceable Rifles", is this a "for certain" assumption? Is there another way to tell the difference?
Who actually manufactured the Winchester Model 1873 Type 2 Bayonets?
Dorlin Kerr has presented a C. G. Haenel marked version of a Winchester M1873 Type 2 Bayonet. Which raises many new questions as to who actually made these bayonets. Go to the Speculation and Questions section for the Winchester M1873 Type 2 Bayonet for more details.
Did P.S. Justice actually manufacture bayonets?
Oddly, some of the P.S. Justice bayonets are marked on the blade ricasso "P.S. Justice / Phila." while others are unmarked. The construction details of both are too close to have been made by different manufacturers. Could an unknown contractor have made bayonets for PS Justice and for some other unknown rifle manufacturer?
What scabbard was initially issued with the P.S. Justice bayonets?
The P.S. Justice bayonet is frequently found with the common scabbard type of T02C, which may have been a period replacement but it is not believed to be the original issued scabbard. A couple examples have been found with the scabbard type of T03D which was originally issued with the Whitney Model 1861 Navy Rifle Bayonet and it is not the original scabbard issued with the P.S. Justice bayonet.
Recently, a scabbard type T03G was discovered which has a strong potential of being the proper scabbard for the P.S. Justice bayonet.
It is believed that the original scabbard was of a low quality construction that did not survive usage and time in significant numbers.
Yes I know that was three questions but all are deeply related. With the popularity of Winchester weapons, surely someone has the answers to these questions.
Rollin Davis, US Sword Bayonets 1847-1865, states that the ring ID is 20 millimeters on all Colt sword bayonets. This may be true but the Model 1855 Colt Revolving Bayonet -Type 1 recorded on this site has a 22.3 millimeter inside muzzle ring diameter. This example may have been modified by enlarging the muzzle ring diameter to fit another rifle or maybe the early Model 1855 Colt Revolving Artillery Carbine has a larger muzzle diameter than the later produced rifle models.