U.S. Model 1861 Sword Bayonet — Collins & Co., Hartford, Conn. Dated 1861

Description

U.S. Model 1861 Sword Bayonet — Collins & Co., Hartford, Conn. Dated 1861

 

A fine example of the U.S. Model 1861 brass-hilt sword bayonet, manufactured by Collins & Co. of Hartford, Connecticut, and clearly dated 1861 on the blade ricasso. This early-war pattern features a broad single-edged blade with a shallow fuller, matched with a solid cast-brass grip showing twelve spiral grooves and an integral crossguard with a large muzzle ring and forward-facing quillon.

 

The blade bears crisp markings: “COLLINS & CO / HARTFORD / CONN” on one side and “1861” on the reverse. The brass hilt retains a warm, untouched patina, numbered, “524”.

 

These heavy brass-hilted bayonets were produced under U.S. Navy contracts for use with the Spencer Navy Rifle and other naval long arms during the opening years of the Civil War.

 

A solid and attractive example of an early Collins-marked Navy bayonet, notable for its clear 1861 date and well-preserved markings.

 

Inventory Number: BAY 294