Scarce U.S. Model 1855 Bayonet Sleeved For the 1873 Trapdoor Rifle

U.S. 1855 bayonet sleeved with a brass insert for the full length of the socket. These type 1 were bushed to accommodate the Springfield trapdoor rifle. Based on the number of bush bayonets found , it was not a process that carried on for any length of time. See Page 102 of "American Socket Bayonets and scabbards and Fig B128 an on page 107. The bayonet was polished at some time which removed the markings other than the remnants of a socket marking #255. This piece rides in a U.S. scabbard with a black leather frog . This example shows clear markings E. Gaylord Chicopee Mass and A.D. Laidley Ord. Dep U.S. Inspector see Fig S54 aforesaid an early U.S. 1873 trapdoor bayonet.