Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic example of the Model 1866 Winchester socket bayonet. These bayonets were actually produced in the United States and intended for export. Approximately 3,000 bayonets, along with their Model 1866 Winchesters, were shipped to France during the Franco-Prussian war. They were brightly polished, unmarked and had slight variation present on all bayonets made, such as blade width with slight blade differences.

This is a wonderful example of a Socket bayonet for use with the .44 caliber rimfire M1866 Winchester lever-action infantry musket. The M1866 socket bayonet is distinctive by its small size and exceptionally brief elbow. Note the high bridge required to clear the Winchester's tall front sight.

Production of the M1866 infantry musket began in 1869. The number produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. of New Haven, CT is unknown, because M1866 production records are incomplete.

The M1866 infantry musket was used by some State Militias and was produced for foreign sales. M1866 muskets produced for Turkey mounted a sword bayonet, rather than this socket. The Winchester was not adopted by the U.S. military, due to the insufficient long-range performance of the .44 caliber cartridge and the Ordnance Department's disdain for the repeating rifle.

The socket length is 2.625 in. (67 mm.) and the muzzle length is 1.125 in. (29 mm.). The overall condition is quite nice with a great patina present. The bayonet is no longer polished bright and now exhibits areas of surface rust and past pitting. The locking ring is still present and moves freely with the correct inset screw.

A great example ready for further research and display.