Extremely Rare CS Richmond Socket Bayonet and Original Scabbard

This rare socket bayonet and scabbard were for use on the CS Richmond rifled musket. The bayonet, a typical Model 1855, U.S. socket bayonet, was taken from Harpers Ferry when Confederates captured the arsenal in 1861, at the onset of the Civil War. Along with gun parts and gun making machinery, the Confederates brought these bayonets to Richmond where they were shortened and re-pointed, at the Richmond Armory. The bayonet measures only 18.25” in length, about 2.75” shorter than a standard M1855 U.S. socket bayonet. The tip of the bayonet has obviously been re-pointed and ends more abruptly than the standard M1855. The flat of the blade, near the bend near the barrel attachment, is clearly stamped – “US”.  The scabbard, which measures – 18.75” (from the bottom of the frog to the tip of the scabbard) is extremely rare, in any form, is in fine condition. The belt frog is hand sewn, comparable to the US. Pattern of 1851 which had no rivets; it is black painted, heavy canvas, over bridle leather. The blade cover, constructed of heavy bridle leather, is also hand sewn together. Although many of these scabbards had lead finials at their tips, this example never had a finial and has a sewn tip. This is an extremely rare accompaniment to the CS Richmond; it is the best we have seen.