This is a very nice and very crisp example of the .58 Caliber US Model 1855 Socket Bayonet. These bayonets were the standard socket bayonet used on all .58 US rifle muskets from the adoption of the US Model 1855 Rifle Musket through the US Model 1870 .50-70 Trapdoor Rifles. As such, some sources refer to the bayonet as the “Model 1855/70 Socket Bayonet”. The US Model 1855 bayonet was the most used socket bayonet of the American Civil War era, with well over one million produced by the National armories and a variety of contractors from about 1855-1865. The Model 1855 introduced a new shape to the shoulders of the bayonet blade, which took on a smoothly tapered profile with this pattern, eliminating the sharp shoulders that had been typical from the pre-1816 pattern US bayonets through the US Model 1835/40 bayonet. This new blade shape would remain in use with the US Model 1873 socket bayonet for the Model 1873 .45-70 Trapdoor Rifle, and all subsequent “Trapdoor” rifle models, which accepted a socket bayonet.

This particular US Model 1855 .58 Socket Bayonet is in about FINE condition. The blade retains much of its original arsenal bright polish, which had dulled very slightly. The blade shows a few a few small patches and freckles of oxidized age discoloration scattered along its entire length. The metal is mostly smooth and is free of pitting, showing only some very lightly scattered dings and dents from service and use on the blade and socket. The blade is full-length at 18” and unaltered. The socket retains its original locking ring and tension screw, which function exactly as they should. The rear edge of the locking ring is marked with the assembly or inspection number 6 (or maybe 9?). The face of the blade is very clearly stamped with a deep US, without any periods after the letters, which is a less common variant of the typical “U.S.” mark. 

If you have been looking for a very crisp, bright and very attractive .58 Caliber US Model 1855 Socket Bayonet to your collection, this one would be a great one to get. It would also be a wonderful addition to the display of your attractive and high condition US .58 Civil War era rifle musket.

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