Can you ID this bayonet?

[TonyW]

Was found buried on farm 50 years ago in Mass.
Is this British? Revolutionary war? War of 1812? http://www.greatlakes4x4.com/picture.php?albumid=2236&pictureid=14276 www.greatlakes4x4.com/picture.php?albumid=2236&pictureid=14277

 

[Tumblernotch]

From the position of the slot for the lug and the short shank, I'd say it was from a CW period Springfield pattern rifle-musket. The socket looks like it may be large enough for a '42 model (.69 cal.), but I can't tell by the photo. The blade is broken fairly near the point, but a bayonet for a Springfield is 18" long. It's not British, at least from the Rev War period. The only bayonet in that period with a clasp that I know of was the Model 1777 French sticker. It's blade was about 14 3/4" long and of course fit the .69 cal. M1777 musket. The shank (or neck) was a little longer than the later Springfield bayonet. but not much. You need to measure the different lengths and especially the inside diameter of the socket. And I'd say about an inch of the blade tip was broken off so if you measure the blade you'd want to add that.

 

[Stumpkiller]

Possibly an 1853 Enfield (British).

 

[Tumblernotch]

That's a possibility. Careful cleaning at the base of the blade might reveal stamps if they've not been obliterated. Then measure the socket and remaining blade.

 

[TonyW]

I am very new in the vintage black powder fire arms. So its newer than I thought.
I am thinking about buying this bayonet for my collection, its being put up for sale soon.
Seller has no knowledge of what it is other than a bayonet..

Thanks for all your helpful input.

 

[Stumpkiller]

The twist ring indicates post 1812 by many years.

Your first investments should be in reference books. That will save you lots of cash in the long run.

Second - buy what you like and you're ahead of the game. Be aware that "family histories" are often innocently very, very wrong.

Good hunting. :thumbsup:

 

[bpd303]

I also collect bayonets and wouldn't pay too much for it.

 

[crockett]

I may be wrong but I thought there were bayonets of that style made in India. I bought one years ago for $12. Make sure you are getting something of value.

 

[DOUBLEDEUCE 1]

That looks very similar to the bayonet for my antique Trapdoor.

 

[TonyW]

Before I asked the question I had already placed a max bid of $20. for it on an online auction.
I guess that may be likely its max value. Seeing your remarks. This will my only pre 1900 bayonet if I win it.

 

[Wes/Tex]

Be aware that "family histories" are often innocently very, very wrong.
:thumbsup:

That is so very true. Have encountered this many times. Best example is from 1978 when I worked for one of the larger gun shops in Houston. Very nice guy came into the shop holding what was obviously a M.1873 Trapdoor rifle. He laid it down and asked if I could help him, his uncle had told him it had been at the Battle of New Orleans. I asked him, "Which one?" He got a funny look on his face and replied that he thought there was only one. I couldn't keep teasing him any longer and showed him the date on the gun. There may have been a gun in the family that was at New Orleans, but this wasn't it. Sad to say, he never brought in any others. It would have been fun to see the real one.

 

[Alden]

I grew up understanding our family name which is Latin, as in "the Roman Empire," was "Americanized" somehow. I was in the majority when I found out it was a regular "joke" my Dad told people (like his son) who asked.

He also told me growing up that the road we lived on was one which Washington and his army took to attack the British. As a young man I learned it was actually the one the British secretly took their main army over to outflank Washington's and route it in a major battle I never knew happened till then!

 

[Col. Batguano]

India today is the 1950's, 60's, and `70's version of "Made in Japan". You watch. their quality is going to improve, and rival the west in years to come.

 

[Heelerau]

Mate,
pretty sure it is a Pat 1853 Enfield Rifle bayonet.

Cheers

heelerau

 

[crockett]

Probably right, our smartest people become doctors and lawyers, their smartest people become engineers.

 

[Va.Manuf.06]

Mate,
pretty sure it is a Pat 1853 Enfield Rifle bayonet.

Cheers

heelerau

Agreed, P53 for the Enfield Rifle Musket, Pattern of 1853.

 

[RedFeather]

War trophy? Bannerman's surplus? I would like the first scenario. Maybe a relic of a famous battle some Massachusetts regiment campaigned in?

 

[Tumblernotch]

After looking more closely at the thickness of the blade and shape of the flutes, it looks more Enfield.

 

[Va.Manuf.06]

War trophy? Bannerman's surplus? I would like the first scenario. Maybe a relic of a famous battle some Massachusetts regiment campaigned in?

We don't know enough about it (measurements would help), but going by condition, it is no doubt a battlefield recovered relic - maybe in North America? - and could have been used by either Northern or Southern forces since since imported P53 Rifle Muskets were heavily used by both sides.

 

[TonyW]

I never got measurments for it. I never uped my bid, and let some one else buy it. Figure I could find better.
Thanks again for identifining it. I did not know much at all about these pre 1900 bayonets before I wrote this post.