This is a Near Fine example of the US Model 1855 .58 Caliber Socket Bayonet. The bayonet is crisply marked on the ricasso with the usual US mark, in this case with no periods between or after the letters. The bayonet is full-length with the standard 18” blade that has a 16 ¼” face flute, a 3” socket and an overall length of 21”.  The socket remains round without any damage and is complete with a fully functional locking ring. The bayonet retains partly bright, with some dulling and scattered light oxidation. The blade shows scattered flecks and patches of darker oxidized age discoloration and there are some areas of old dried grease that have discolored part of the socket. The bayonet is mostly smooth with no significant pitting present, although some small flecks of pinpricking are present here and there. The socket also shows some freckles of scattered oxidized discoloration, most notably on the shank. The bayonet is very crisp throughout, with very clear marks and crisp edges. However, as is so often the case with any bayonet that saw any level of use, the bayonet does show a number of minor bumps, dings and minor mars, particularly on the socket and shank. The original locking ring and tension screw are in place and the ring functions smoothly. The top of the socket shows a minor forging flaw, which is indicative of the rapid production of the Civil War period when the need to get arms into the field sometimes outweighed the need to make the items to the highest level of quality.

Overall, this is a really nice condition example of US Civil War era .58 socket bayonet. It would be a wonderful addition to the display of any higher condition US Model 1855, Model 1861/63/64 or Model 1861 Special Model rifle musket.