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I hope I've posted this in the correct area.

I could really use some help/advise/opinions or expertise on this.
I've had this lug bayonet for probably 20 years. It has spent most of its life with me, in a safe.

From the limited research I've been able to do, it's a bayonet made from 1850's to 1860's. It is marked with "US". I can't find any other markings. I BELIEVE this is a .58 caliber socket bayonet.

I know very little about vintage weaponry/accessories. If anyone has info about this that they'd feel comfortable sharing, it would be greatly appreciated.

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Well, it's definitely Union Army gear. I'm guessing, but it's probably standard issue bayonet for a 58 caliber musket. They were issued with a scabbard. I have seen identical ones for sale. Just Google on 'Union Army bayonet' and you will see a few just like yours. Here's one.
 
And all of this time I assumed you first trained with the Winchester‐Lee 6mm rifle Gunny. Whereas young boots like me were M14, and then that P.O.S. Colt A1. Even though I much preferred the M2's in a CH-46's.
I was rendered unconscious while riding in the cargo area of one of those twin egg beaters. I took my helmet off and the pilot (who was following the terrain) dropped about 50 feet and the fire extinguisher came out of the rack (it was unsecured) and when the aircraft went horizontal again, it hit me in the head! The Corpsman dragged me off the ramp when we landed at the LZ and bandaged my gourd. He also submitted my name for a Purple Heart! After talking with the CO I convinced him that I could never wear the medal or my helmet again.
 
To my eye it looks like a 1873 Springfield "Trapdoor" bayonet.
Most 1861 / 64 Springfield bayonets were in "in the white"....as in in left polished , but not blued.
The bayonet in the OP looks blued to me...this type of finished was first used for the 1873 series of rifle bayonets.
Andy
 
I really appreciate the input... and the comedy/stories :)
I tend to agree with Andy. In fact, that was very close to my assessment when I tried to research it a bit. I was thinking a little earlier in manufacturing years.
I've been told by another member it was possibly a more valuable bayonet (possibly a Colt, if I remember correctly), as much as I'd like it to be, I don't think it is. Wishful thinking I guess.

I think I'll put it back up for sale going off my original assessment of it.

Thanks again for the opinions!
 

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