This is a VERY FINE+ to NEAR EXCELLENT example of the US Model 1855 .58 socket bayonet, made by the firm of Collins & Company. The Collins firm was established in 1826 by brothers Samuel & David Collins and their cousin William Wells. The company was located in the town of Canton, CT on the Farmington River and quickly developed a reputation for producing very fine quality axes. The company soon branched out into the production of a wide variety of tools and farm implements, and even edged weapons. The Collins Company expanded until its network of factory buildings and employee housing included well over 250 structures and became its own town of Collinsville. Collins & Company produced a variety of edged weapons during the American Civil War, including socket and saber bayonets as well as some swords. The company had a close relationship with Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company and produced saber bayonets for the Model 1841 “Mississippi” rifles that were altered by Colt, as well as many socket bayonets for their Special Model 1861 Rifle Muskets. The Collins company remained in business until 1966, and today more than 50 of their original buildings remain standing.

Collins produced socket bayonets are particularly desirable and collectible, as they were one of the few contractors who actually placed a maker’s mark on their socket bayonets, allowing today’s collectors to know who made the bayonet. The reverse of the socket is of this bayonet clearly and deeply marked with an upside-down C&Co mark. The mark is much crisper and stronger than typically encountered on these bayonets. The ricasso is also clearly marked with a very deep U.Smark. The bayonet is full length, and the socket is complete with a fully functional locking ring. The bayonet has a steel gray patina over most of the blade with evenly scattered freckles of surface oxidation and discoloration. This could probably be lightly cleaned to restore the appearance of its original arsenal bright finish. The metal is almost entirely smooth with only some lightly scattered minor surface roughness and some flecks of pinpricking here and there. The bayonet is very crisp throughout, with extremely clear marks and edges, and no indication of having been cleaned. The socket has a similar patina to the blade, a dulling steel color with scattered light surface oxidation. The original locking ring and tension screw are in place and the ring functions smoothly.

Overall, this is a fairly high condition example of a scarce and very desirable maker marked US Civil War era .58 socket bayonet. It would be a wonderful addition to any very fine or better US Model 1855, Model 1861/63/64 or a Special Model 1861 rifle musket. It would be particularly at home displayed with a very high condition Colt contract rifle musket. Maker marked US Model 1855 Socket Bayonets are quite scarce and this would be a great one to add to your collection, especially as Collins & Co is one of the most desirable makers.

SOLD