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EXTREMELY RARE AND DESIRABLE U.S. SPRINGFIELD KRAG

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
EXTREMELY RARE AND DESIRABLE U.S. SPRINGFIELD KRAG

BOWIE BAYONET. 9 1/8" Bowie blade bayonet dated 1900 on left ricasso & U.S. on right ricasso. Blade is 1 3/4" wide; 1/8" thick having a clipped point & unstopped fullers. Straight cross guard w/ smooth walnut grips & birds head pommel. Curved steel scabbard w/ ball finial. Belt loop w/ wire clip & lug to limit oscillation. This rare bayonet officially named Combination Knife Bayonet & Entrenching tool was designed to be of greater use to the soldier than the lighter issue straight blade bayonet. Mfg. in 1900 for trials by authority of the Board of Ordnance and Fortifications. 2,000 were ordered from Springfield Armory of which 1,500 were sent to the Division of the Philippines & 500 to the Division of Cuba. These were tested largely for their usefulness as entrenching tools although it is reported that they also saw a very sm. amount of combat use in the Philippines during the Philippine insurrection. After extensive testing the Board of Ordnance and Fortifications did not feel that the advantages of this bayonet outweighed the disadvantages. The bayonets were recalled from the field, condemned & ordered sold. Published sources state that there may have been additional bayonets produced above the number commonly given however very few survive today. CONDITION: bayonet in very good overall condition showing light handling wear. Blade has distinct markings w/ scattered sm. spots of peppery oxidation. Very light file marks along the edge on both sides but leaving the cutting edge flat as manufactured. Balance of metal parts turning gray w/ a hint of patina & scattered peppery oxidation. Smooth walnut grips w/ only very light handling wear. Metal scabbard retains 75% original blue finish w/ thinning light wear & scattered sm. spots of oxidation. PROVENANCE: From the Lifelong Collection of Glen E. Mattox. (02-18445/RW). $2,000-3,000.