{"product_id":"original-indian-wars-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-trowel-bayonet-2","title":"Original Indian Wars U.S. Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 Trowel Bayonet","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. Designed to fit a 45\/70 Trapdoor Springfield Rifle, these are very rarely seen in any condition, much less good used condition such as this. These will fit any M-1873 Springfield trapdoor rifle that uses a regular ram rod. The rear portion of the socket rotates to allow it to be locked onto the barrel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn ingenious bayonet in the shape of a gardening trowel that when fitted to the muzzle of the rifle can double as an entrenching tool to dig in, or as a bayonet as the trowel's edges are sharp as is the point. The trowel bayonet was conceived to provide soldiers with a dual-purpose bayonet and entrenching tool. Following the U.S. Civil War, the conventional wisdom in the Army was that the bayonet was largely unnecessary and that soldiers should be individually-equipped to rapidly entrench without the need to bring entrenching tools forward by wagon. This was developed during the same period of American \"multi-use\" military experimentation that produced the Springfield Trapdoor ramrod and M1888 Entrenching Tool Knife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe trowel blade is 10-inch long and 3 3\/8 inches wide, with a reinforced spine. The hilt portion of the Trowel\/Bayonet still bears its heavily blued finish, though it is faded. The blade is still partly bright, but there is definitely some staining and light pitting and wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLatching hinge in the socket is fully functional. Unfortunately the wooden haft that could be inserted to increase digging leverage is not included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn very nice condition ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 10”\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Wide \"Trowel\"\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 14 1\/2”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40549783830597,"sku":"ONJR23MAB010","price":395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONJR23MAB010__01.jpg?v=1680107002","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-indian-wars-u-s-springfield-trapdoor-model-1873-trowel-bayonet-2","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}