United States Model 1816 Socket Bayonet “U” Inspector Mark

This is a Model 1816 bayonet “US” marked on the face of the blade below a “U” inspector mark possibly John Unsild as referenced in Mark Rentschler's article “1816 Bayonet Manufacturers and Maker Marks a Comprehensive list”.  It is also maked “K / 32” near the elongated T-shaped mortise slot on the socket.   According to the "Regulations for the National Armories" (1816), bayonets were to manufactured in batches of 2,400, and numbered with letter prefixes for each 100 examples.  The letters "J" and "V" were not used, giving 24 possible prefixes.  This specimen is therefore the 32nd bayonet manufactured in its batch of 2,400, and was made at either Springfield or Harper’s Ferry.  It measures 19 inches overall with a 3 inch socket and a 16 ¼ inch angular blade with a short single fuller and hollow-ground back flutes.  It remains in fine overall condition with scattered carbon staining, freckling and some light impact marks.