Lot 65

CIVIL WAR FEDERAL U.S. M1855 BAYONET

Previous image preload Next image preload

CIVIL WAR FEDERAL U.S. M1855 BAYONET

Estimate: $150 - $250

Starting Bid: $80

(0 Bids)

by Milestone Auctions
August 1, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
38198 Willoughby Parkway
Willoughby, OH, US 44094

M1855 U.S. triangular bayonet. Stamped U.S. on the ricasso. Overall size is 21 inches. Excellent. When the M1855 socket bayonet was adopted, the standard bayonet scabbard was the US Pattern 1851. This was the first general issue scabbard to incorporate an attached folded leather belt frog to the scabbard body. Earlier pattern US scabbards typically used a frog hook on the face of the scabbard to attach the scabbard to a cross belt, baldric or separate belt frog. The leather belt loop of the Pattern 1851 scabbard was secured by stitching it to a piece of leather that wrapped around and was sewn to the throat of the scabbard. Collectors refer to this style of assembly as “sewn only.” In 1859, an updated version of the P1851 scabbard was adopted to accompany the new series of infantry accouterments that had been approved in 1857. This new Pattern 1859 scabbard added two reinforcing rivets at the junction between the belt loop and the leather piece sewn around the throat of the scabbard. Collectors refer to this style of construction as a “two rivet” scabbard. The specifications also changed the construction of the belt loop from blackened buff leather on the P1851 to black bridle leather on the P1859. This pattern remained in use from its adoption through February of 1863, when another update was adopted to the scabbard design. The Pattern of February 1863 increased the number of rivets in the frog from two to seven, resulting in the collector’s nickname of “seven rivet” scabbard. It also eliminated sewing in the frog and added two additional pins to the face of the brass finial at the tip of the scabbard. Originally, the tip of the P1851 and P1859 scabbards was secured with two small brads that entered through the rear of the finial, attaching it to the leather scabbard body. This was found to be insufficient in the field and in 1863 the number of brads was doubled and two were added on the front angled surfaces of the finial. Due to the fact that the Pattern 1859 scabbards were in use prior to the Civil War and the heavy use that these scabbards saw during the first two years of the war, they are scarce on the modern collector market. When a P1859 scabbard is found, it usually shows heavy use and often the finial is replaced or repaired. During the pre-war and early Civil War production period, very few bayonet scabbards were maker marked, while most of the later period Pattern 1863 and Pattern 1864 scabbards were maker marked due to changes in Federal contracting laws. Additionally, practically none of the M1855 bayonets were marked in any way that would allow their manufacturer or contractor to be known. The few exceptions to this were the bayonets produced by firms like Collins & Company and Amoskeag Manufacturing Company. Otherwise, the manufacturing origin of US M1855 socket bayonets is rarely discernable.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

PACKING/SHIPPING
• It is the bidder's responsibility to take shipping and handling costs into consideration when bidding on items.
• Packaging, shipping, and insurance on items will be available to successful bidders. Applicable charges will be applied.
• BIDDERS PRESENT AND TAKING ITEMS AFTER AUCTION - Items paid for must be packed, transported and/or removed by the purchaser at his/her own risk after the close of the sale. If any employee or agent of Milestone Auction shall pack or transport the merchandise, it is fully at the risk and responsibility and expense of the purchaser. Milestone Auctions shall not be held liable for any loss or damage that may be caused by the said agent or employee. All items not removed after the close of the sale may be shipped to the buyer at their expense or may be moved or stored by Milestone Auctions. Fees, rates, and insurance will be charged accordingly to the buyer.
• BIDDERS NOT PRESENT OR NEEDING SHIPPING - Shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice and are NON-REFUNDABLE. Shipping will be based on actual costs via FedEx, FedEx Freight or USPS (best way). Handling and insurance will vary in cost depending on each invoice. All packages will be shipped with insurance. Items will ship seven to fourteen (7-14) business days after payment is received.
• INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS - Milestone Auctions has the availability to ship to international bidders. By law, Milestone Auctions cannot and will not declare lesser values for any international purchases and all shipments will include the invoice with purchase totals including the buyer's premium and shipping cost. All international bidders are responsible for paying all customs and duties on the items.
• LARGE SIZE ITEMS - Please inquire about shipping costs due to the size restrictions of freight shipments. A third party shipment may be necessary for larger items. Call for more information, 440-527-8060

Milestone Auctions

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 20% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $999 $25
$1,000 $1,999 $50
$2,000 $4,999 $100
$5,000 $9,999 $250
$10,000 $24,999 $500
$25,000 $49,999 $1,000
$50,000 $99,999 $2,500
$100,000 + $5,000