This is an about FINE condition example of the US Model 1860 Spencer Repeating Rifle Socket Bayonet (Reilly B109). As is typical of Spencer bayonets, it is completely unmarked, except for a small inspectors’ mark. In this case it is a letter L just forward of the end of the mortise cut on the socket of the bayonet. Other inspector letters that are sometimes encountered are “M” and “H”. While the “M” and “L” inspection marks are fairly common, the “H” mark is only occasionally found on surviving examples. The only features that make it readily apparent that it is a Spencer bayonet is the socket which is slightly larger than a standard US Model 1855 bayonet’s socket. The Spencer bayonet has a nominal .812” bore diameter, while a standard M1855 bayonet has a .783” bore diameter. The Spencer bayonet also has a higher-than-normal bridge at the rear of the socket, which is necessary to clear the Spencer rifle’s taller front sight blade. In all other ways, the bayonet has the appearance and dimensions of the standard Type I M1855 .58 caliber socket bayonet. 

The bayonet is full-length with an 18” blade and a 3” socket and retains its original locking ring and tension screw. The locking ring functions smoothly and correctly. The bore diameter measures .815” and the height of the bridge measures 1.12” at the tallest point. These dimensions identify this as a Spencer Rifle socket bayonet, in addition to the inspection mark on the socket. The bayonet is mostly bright with much of the arsenal polish intact, with the metal showing some fading and dulling from age. There are some scattered freckles of oxidized discoloration and age staining on the blade that is otherwise mostly bright. There are also some freckles of light surface rust and a couple of small patches of surface rust on the reverse edge of the blade near the shank, a few tiny areas on the reverse of the shank and a few flecks on the reverse of the socket. These patches have developed a little bit of surface roughness. A little careful cleaning with some oil and some 0000-steelwool will likely remove at least some of this surface rust.

This bayonet is in really nice condition and would be a very good compliment to a fine Spencer Rifle. This is a very nice example of a fairly scarce Civil War socket bayonet in crisp, complete condition, with a legible inspection mark on the socket. These bayonets don’t appear on the market as frequently as they used to, so don’t miss the chance to add this bayonet to your Civil War bayonet collection to the display of your Spencer Rifle. 

ON HOLD