Need help identifying socket bayonet please

[osuffan]

Hello. First time poster.

Found this bayonet in a box I purchased at an auction. I have researched it as far as I can. I believe it to be of the Civil War era. I have ran across the initials JS numerous times in my research but it seems they are usually accompanied with an anchor symbol. I have no idea what the small B might be on the top front edge of the socket(?). I have went over the bayonet multiple times with a magnifying glass and can find no other markings. The bayonet is 21" long with the blade being 18".

For awhile I thought the "initials" might be US with part of the "U" being worn off. But the more I think about that, it makes no sense for a small part of just one letter to be worn off that much. And the rest of the stamp is fairly deep. So let's go with JS.

Thanks!!

 

[1867crete]

I do think it's US? Not sure what dimensions are for trigular us bayonets. They were used up to the turn of the century. A fella gave me a tip in Civil war bayonets. If a nickel fits down it's most likely 58 cal and civil war. If a dime fits its most likely 45-70 or similar cal post civil war. But wait and a expert will tell us for sure soon!!! GREAT find none the less!

 

[63springfield]

Looks to me the " US " stamp was struck tilted towards the lower right .

Look how much deeper the lower right of the " S " is .

Upper left of the " U " isn't worn off - it probably was never there .

JMHO of course .

 

[Patrick H]

Hi and welcome. I'm confident you'll get some expert opinions on your bayonet. Unfortunately, I can't offer one.

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy. US without a doubt

 

[connecticut yankee]

The stamp is "U.S." -----@63springfield is correct. Part of the "U" has not been worn off, rather it was poorly struck. The "B" is an inspection mark and basically not of use in identifying the bayonet model. Your bayonet from both the photos and bayonet lengths you provided narrow the bayonet to either Model 1855 (The well known and widely used "Civil War" bayonet fitted to the .58 musket) OR the Model 1873 bayonet used during the Indian Wars fitted to the .45-.70 Springfield rifle. It is almost impossible to distinguish between these two models through photographs as the sockets, blade lengths and other distinguishing features are nearly identical.

The key distinguishing feature is the socket diameters. All you need to do is this simple test: Take a penny (not nickel or dime) and try to drop it through the socket back end. If it drops thru than you have a Model 1855. If the penny does not fit into/thru the back of socket it is a Model 1873.

(Not that you asked, but here are the diameters that make the test valid: Model 1855 socket inner dia. = 25/32 inch. Model 1873 socket inner dia. = 47/64 inch. Penny = 24/32 inch.)

 

[originalrebelyell]

Its US nice bayonet

 

[James N.]

Welcome to the forums! Here's what your bayonet originally looked like in its scabbard and with the other typical U.S. accoutrements for the rifle-musket:

It was worn on the waist belt along with the small pouch at left to carry the priming percussion caps; the larger pouch on the over-the-shoulder belt at top held ammunition cartridges.

 

[UCVRelics]

Welcome from THE Heart Of Dixie. It is a US that has been worn down from being removed from the scabbard a BUNCH the one below was headed the same way.

 

[osuffan]

Thank you very much for all of your help!! I have another bayonet made in 1896 if you all would like to take a look? Didn't want to post it since it is not from the Civil War era without permission.