US Model 1862 Remington Zouave Sword Bayonet

This bayonet was designed specifically for the Model 1862 Remington Rifled Musket, generally referred to as the Remington Zouave. There does not appear to be an official model year for these and we have seen them listed as both M1862 and M1863, the latter probably because production did not begin until 1863. The maker of these bayonets is not known, to our knowledge, but they are very similar to others made by Collins & Co. of Hartford, CT. It features a 20″ (50.8 cm) sligtly recurved single-edged blade with broad unstopped 3/4-length fuller; stamped with a small “S” on the ricasso. The one-piece cast brass hilt is stamped with “B.H.” inspector’s initials (Benjamin Hannie, the only known inspector of these) on the back of the grip, just below the muzzle ring; steel barrel latch screwed to one side. There is also a “C” on one side of the guard and an “L” on the other side and underside of the guard. Black leather scabbard with brass drag and throat with frog button. George Moller’s “American Military Shoulder Arms”, states that “10,001 rifles with bayonets were accepted at the Watervliet Arsenal between April 1863 and January 1864 from E. Remington & Sons. None of these rifles were issued during the Civil War. All 10,000 were still in storage at the Watervliet Arsenal as late as May 15, 1866. The rifles and bayonets were sold to Francis Bannerman on August 8, 1907.” Some speculate that the “C” stamp on the guard is indicative of Collins as the maker, however, that letter was also often used to indicate “condemned”, but meaning more commonly that it was no longer intended for military service and could therefore be sold. This mark would then indicate that it was not stolen military property. Very good condition; the blade bright, with remains of a protective coating (easily removed). Hilt bright, the end of the pommel with some dents and also remnants of a protective coating. Leather scabbard is sound, with bend in the middle and some crazing. Overall length 24 13/16″ (63 cm), not including scabbard.