I just picked up a bayonet for my 1873 locally. Came with a scabbard but no frog. Fits the rifle very well, but am curious about the markings. It is stamped "U-S" with a hyphen (see photo). No other markings on the bayonet. My online search efforts haven't found one marked that way, so any info about this stamping would be appreciated. Thank you.
I’m new to trapdoors and I posted questions about the US stamps on bayonets last week and your U-S is different from the two US stamps on my bayonet.
I’m curious if these US stamps were put on by their Manufacturer or done by the Army Ordinance Department prior to delivery to the Military Units they went to, or maybe even at the units armory that they were delivered to?
I have several and no two are alike 1 US only, another US with inspector initial above US, another initials above and below US ,finally one U . S with dot between letters. They were made over a long span of years and differences are expected I would guess. Go on e-bay and type in Indian wars bayonet. There are many and hardly two marked alike.
Most trapdoor bayonets were reworked M1855 bayonets, which were made (and marked) by numerous contractors during the Civil War, in addition to some from Springfield (and Harpers Ferry). Robert M. Reilly's book on U.S. Military Socket Bayonets illustrates several marking variations, but I do not have access to my copy right now to see if the U-S marking is included.
John S. wrote: ↑Thu Apr 11, 2024 3:24 am
Most trapdoor bayonets were reworked M1855 bayonets, which were made (and marked) by numerous contractors during the Civil War, in addition to some from Springfield (and Harpers Ferry). Robert M. Reilly's book on U.S. Military Socket Bayonets illustrates several marking variations, but I do not have access to my copy right now to see if the U-S marking is included.
It is not. That said, I'd not worry about it too much, if at all. To address Hammer's question, I believe that ALL such marks were applied at time of original manufacture.
