US Model 1862 Remington Zouave Sword Bayonet

Description

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.