Edged Wpns Bayonet or Short Sword?

[Johnny Shafto]

Recently while in Nebraska City visiting the mansion of J. Sterling Morton of Morton Salt fame I stumbled upon this interesting display. (See image below).

As a total novice on the subject I was wondering, based on the definition below, is the use of the term "bayonet" accurate or would something like "short sword" be more appropriate?

A bayonet (from French baïonnette) is a knife, dagger, sword, or spike-shaped weapon designed to fit on the end of the muzzle of a rifle, musket or similar firearm, allowing it to be used as a spear-like weapon.[1]​ From the 17th century to World War I, it was considered a primary weapon for infantry attacks. Today, it is considered an ancillary weapon or a weapon of last resort.

 

[Glen_C]

It is a Russian 1834 tesak

Russian Crimean War Pioneers Tesak Model 1834. Sawback Sword

Very rare Imperial Russian pioneers’ Tesak, model 1834. The Tesak or short sword was issued to pioneers and enlisted men of the foot artillery. The M1834

www.bygoneblades.com

Not Confederate made. Likely not Confederate carried or used.

Cheers
GC

 

[Johnny Shafto]

It is a Russian 1834 tesak

Russian Crimean War Pioneers Tesak Model 1834. Sawback Sword

Very rare Imperial Russian pioneers’ Tesak, model 1834. The Tesak or short sword was issued to pioneers and enlisted men of the foot artillery. The M1834

www.bygoneblades.com

Not Confederate made. Likely not Confederate carried or used.

Cheers
GC

Thanks to both Glen_C and Lanyard Puller. Makes one wonder how common a misrepresentation such as this occurs in a formal display scenario.

 

[UCVRelics]

Thanks to both Glen_C and Lanyard Puller. Makes one wonder how common a misrepresentation such as this occurs in a formal display scenario.

One thing you have to remember is that a museum is only as good as its curator. I can't see all the card on the left but it appears that these items were donated and the museum just went with what they were told which is common as most curators of small museums with display from different time period don't know or take the time to find out. BTW, If LP tells you a rooster dips snuff, look under his wing and you will find a can of snuff.

 

[Johnny Shafto]

One thing you have to remember is that a museum is only as good as its curator. I can't see all the card on the left but it appears that these items were donated and the museum just went with what they were told which is common as most curators of small museums with display from different time period don't know or take the time to find out. BTW, If LP tells you a rooster dips snuff, look under his wing and you will find a can of snuff.

Thank you Sir. I understand completely. Evidently Morton was a collector of swords. These details could be a result of something from his personal recollections passed down until the actual details were misconstrued. And I couldn't agree more regarding LP. That rooster would most certainly be a dipper! BTW…I found something else interesting in the Morton mansion which I will post shortly. Thank you again.

 

[M.V. Bridges]

Thanks to both Glen_C and Lanyard Puller. Makes one wonder how common a misrepresentation such as this occurs in a formal display scenario.

Another point (pun intended): A proper bayonet needs an attachment point to fit the muzzle end of the rifle. So a sword style bayonet handle would look like the attached.
I also have read that the weight of such bayonets made it difficult to fire the rifle, as it tended to drag the muzzle downwards when fixed (although perhaps not a bad thing to keep raw recruits from firing high and to the right). The Pattern 1856/58 British sword bayonet was made for the Model 1853, .577 calibre Enfield (2-band) rifled infantry short-musket. As well as being issued to British units, these rifles and bayonets were sold in large numbers to both the Union and Confederate armies during the War. That particular bayonet had a 22" blade and weighed 1.8 pounds.