Original Item: One Only. These are most most unusual, in fact this is the first one we've encountered. If you look in THE AMERICAN BAYONET 1776-1964 by ALBERT HARDIN on pages, 188 and 189 you will see these were first produced in 1858, intended to attach to a Whale bone shaft measuring 19 1/2" long and 3/4" wide and "1/4" thick which was kept in place with a screw clamp of the base by the bayonet's socket.

What we are offering is the steel rear section only, and fitting confirms that this example was made for the .45-70 Springfield Trapdoor model 1873. This section consists of the barrel socket and the attached 2" steel container complete with Screw clamp. This was intended to hold the whale bone blade, which would come with an egg shaped ball of India Rubber made in two halves on the end. Clearly there was a serious chance of breakage in bayonet training that inclined the Army to make this training aide in two distinct sections.

Our fitting in polished steel with some age markings complete complete with the bayonet locking ring and the blade securing screw clamp. It is marked U S on the bottom of the socket base. Ready to display!