Very Rare Civil War-Dated Saber Bayonet for the Merrill Military Rifle

This is a rarely seen bayonet that measures 30 3/16" overall, with a 25 5/16" yataghan blade having wide, single fullers.  The blade has an overall mottled plum-brown and gray patina with some areas of very mild surface pitting near the tip and along the fullers on both sides.  The ricasso is marked with an 1861 date on the obverse.  The brass hilt has an overall dark ochre patina mixing with yellow, and exhibits numerous small peen marks along the back flat of the grip, which is neatly stamped with the number "3308."  The press stud and spring are still functional, and there is no scabbard included.  These rare bayonets were made for the Merrill military rifle (often erroneously labeled a "Navy" variant), but are also known to fit certain variants of the US Model 1841 "Mississippi" Rifle adapted for the saber bayonet.  This is a very good example of a rare US bayonet, and would make a great addition to any collection.