US M1855 Bayonet Identification

[cwbuff]

Many manufacturers made M1855 bayonets. Most are not marked to enable identifying the maker. Here are pics of the markings on two M1855 bayonets. The top one is marked "U*S" and was made by Amoskeag Mfg. in Manchester NH. Amoskeag was the only maker to mark their bayonets (and M1861 Special muskets) that way. I'm trying to find out if the bottom one can be identified by the markings of a punch mark over "US" over "J"

 

[Jobe Holiday]

The punch mark is a hardness test mark.
J.

 

[Cannonman1]

Does anyone know where the lower bayonet was made? I have one in my collection that has a barely legible U and a lightly stamped S but is the same.

 

[JOHN42768]

According to the new book " U.S. Model 1855 Series of Small Arms" by John Willyard page 118. The j marking is believed to be Springfield Armory

 

[cwbuff]

Thanks - good information.

 

[Cannonman1]

Thank You !!