Dahlgren Bayonet?

[CWWP]

In cleanig out my parents' house, I came across what may be a Civil War relic that may have belonged to my great grandfather, a commodore in the USN during the war. A google search shows it looks exactly like a Dahlgren bayont, but the the stamping on the blade does not match Internet images of the bayont. One side says simply Ames Mfg. Co. in a straight line (not curved) with Chicopee Mass underneath it. On the other side, in very small font, is 1861, with no USN stamp or DR stamp. Assuming it is genuine, what was a commodore doing with a bayonet?

 

[CMWinkler]

Welcome.

 

[Drew]

Welcome.

I am no expert, but these were issued with 1861 Plymouth-Witneyville rifled Navy muskets. Perhaps brought home after service as a souvenir. There are also said to me more post-war knock offs floating around than there were originals made.

 

[redbob]

There were at least four variations of this bayonet, the Model 1861 was dated 1861 in very small numerals and has the hilt secured by three heavy copper pins that pass vertically through the hilt. No mention is made of manufacturers information being stamped on the ricasso (though they were made by Ames in Chicopee, Mass). These bayonets were sold as surplus in the 1870's and these bayonets are amongst the most heavily replicated weapons produced today with passable copies coming from India and Pakistan. Caveat Emptor and good luck.

 

[28thNewYork]

Greetings and welcome from Atlanta.