Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is it! One of the most complete 1873 Springfield Trapdoor Model 1873 "Trowel" Bayonet offerings that we have had in quite some time! Owning one of these is a must for any serious Springfield trapdoor collector, and offerings like this do not come by very often at all!
Designed to fit a 45/70 Trapdoor Springfield Rifle, these you just don't see anymore, especially in this condition, with all the original accessories. These will fit any M-1873 Springfield trapdoor rifle that uses a regular ram rod. The rear portion of the socket rotates to allow it to be locked onto the barrel.
An ingenious bayonet in the shape of a gardening trowel, that when fitted to the muzzle of the rifle can double as an entrenching tool to dig in, or as a bayonet as the trowels edges are sharp, as is the point. The trowel bayonet was conceived to provide soldiers with a dual-purpose bayonet and entrenching tool. Following the U.S. Civil War, the conventional wisdom in the Army was that the bayonet was largely unnecessary and that soldiers should be individually-equipped to rapidly entrench without the need to bring entrenching tools forward by wagon.
The trowel blade is 10-inch long and 3 3/8 inches wide, with a reinforced spine. The hilt portion of the Trowel/Bayonet still bears its heavily blued finish. The blade is still mostly bright, with just a tiny bit of staining and wear. Latching hinge in the socket is fully functional, and this example still includes the EXTREMELY RARE original wooden handle! It is a wooden rod with a curved end, which has a metal stud that locks it into the bayonet catch for the sight. It doesn't add much in length, but it definitely allows a much surer grip when "digging in." The Lightly knurled grip section is in excellent shape, with a faint patent marking on the right side above the hole for the front sight: PAT APR 16TH 72.
The bayonet comes complete with its original and rare leather covered tin scabbard with leather belt loop bearing and brass rosette showing a raised U.S. in a Circle. There is some rather extensive wear to the leather hanger and brass fittings, however these scabbards are rare in any condition.
A fantastic collector's opportunity! In excellent condition and ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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