This is a VERY FINE+ to NEAR EXCELLENT example of the US Model 1855 .58 Caliber 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 very quickly developed a reputation for producing 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 buildings 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 M1861 Rifle Muskets. The Collins company remained in business until 1966, and more than 50 of their original buildings remain standing to this day.

Collins & Company produced Civil War period socket bayonets are particularly desirable and collectible, as they were one of the few contractors who actually placed a maker’s mark on the bayonets that they delivered, allowing today’s collectors to know who made the bayonet. The left side of the socket of this bayonet is clearly and deeply marked with an upside down C&Co mark, with the ampersand on its side, as is typical of their marking. The mark is much crisper and stronger than typically encountered on these bayonets. The ricasso is also stamped with a deep and very clear USmark. The rear edge of the locking ring is stamped with the inspector’s or assembly mark 8.

The bayonet is full-length, and the socket is in round and complete with a fully functional locking ring. The bayonet retains much of the arsenal bright polish over the blade, with only some minor dulling. The blade shows some very tiny flecks of darker, lightly oxidized age discoloration, but nothing significant. No pitting is present, although some small flecks of pinpricking are present here and there, most visible around the tip. The socket also shows some flecks of lightly scattered oxidized discoloration, and a very small amount of pinpricking as well. The bayonet is very crisp throughout, with extremely clear marks and edges. However, as is so often the case, the bayonet does show a number of minor bumps, dings and minor mars; particularly on the socket and shank. These impact marks are typical of any socket bayonet that ever really saw service. The original locking ring and tension screw are in place and the ring functions smoothly.

Overall, this is a really 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 condition US Model 1855, Model 1861/63/64 or Model 1861 Special Model rifle musket. It would be particularly at home displayed with a very high condition Colt contract rifle musket as Colt contracted with Collins for bayonets. Maker marked US Model 1855 socket bayonets are quite scarce and this would be a great one to add to your collection.

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