What is this? Identify this bayonet?

[3rdTennCo.C]

Picked this up a few years ago but never really knew what it's to, it's got a large socket, likely for a large smoothbore, it also appears to have a sleeve in the socket, I'm not sure if it's original or maybe modified for a different gun by someone later on? Any info is helpful!

 

[7thWisconsin]

I think that's for a Brown Bess. It may be a reproduction, given that it's in really good shape.

 

[3rdTennCo.C]

I think that's for a Brown Bess. It may be a reproduction, given that it's in really good shape.

It was actually quite rusted when I bought it, I didnt know if it was original or not and it was before I really got into relic collecting so I kinda took a wire wheel to it several years ago...

 

[UCVRelics]

What is the overall length and blade length?

 

[3rdTennCo.C]

What is the overall length and blade length?

I can get the length in a while, at work atm

 

[3rdTennCo.C]

What is the overall length and blade length?

Blade length: Just over 15 3/4 inch
O/A length: just about 20 5/8 inch

 

[7thWisconsin]

The blade length is almost exactly the same as the Brown Bess carbine bayonet, a little short for an infantry bayonet, which tended to be 17". However, never say never. There is some range of variation. Could be American but they tend not to have that ring at the end of the socket.

 

[3rdTennCo.C]

The pictures I've seen usually look like the british ones have that ring, I haven't seen an american one

 

[3rdTennCo.C]

It seems where the arsenal marks should be was pitted away, is there a way to distinguish this as a original vs a repro?

 

[7thWisconsin]

My repro didn't have proof marks. It didn't even say "India" on the blade. The one in Neuman's "Swords and Blades" is marked GS onthe blade; on the flat that faces up when it's fixed I suppose. (p. 38). The originals I've handled are harder and lighter than the repros - they're a much better blade. That pattern of pitting on the socket occurs on both originals and the now 50 year old repros.

 

[3rdTennCo.C]

My repro didn't have proof marks. It didn't even say "India" on the blade. The one in Neuman's "Swords and Blades" is marked GS onthe blade; on the flat that faces up when it's fixed I suppose. (p. 38). The originals I've handled are harder and lighter than the repros - they're a much better blade. That pattern of pitting on the socket occurs on both originals and the now 50 year old repros.

So Im guessing there is not much of a way to guarantee it either way