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Weapon, Ordnance and Weapons, Civil War
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  • Civil War 1861-1865
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Sharps Rifle Saber Bayonet


Collins bayonet for Sharps Rifle M1860

Title: Bayonet, Saber, Collins & Co, US
Accession #: NHHC 2011-29-45
Circa: 1861
Size: 0.75" H x 25.25" L x 3.75" W; Blade 20.25"
Medium: Steel, Brass
Location: Headquarters Artifact Collection, Naval History and Heritage Command

One saber bayonet for an 1850s pattern Sharps rifle. The bayonet has a steel blade with a ribbed cast-brass grip and cross-guard. The blade is stamped with an anchor and 1861 on the obverse ricasso and "Collins & Co / Hartford / Conn" on the reverse. The cross-guard is also stamped with an anchor. The flat of the grip is stamped 503 while the obverse cross-guard is stamped 4.C.8. 

Better known for their axes and agriculture implements, Collins & Co turned to the manufacturing of swords and bayonets at the outbreak of the American Civil War. They contracted with the firearms companies to produce bayonets compatible with the new models of rifles. There is record of a number of these being issued to US Navy ships during the late 1850s. 

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Published: Wed Jan 12 16:31:08 EST 2022