Produced in limited quantities, the trowel bayonet was an attempt to design a blade that could serve as both a combat weapon and a digging tool, which would permit the deletion of a dedicated entrenching tool from the infantryman's kit. Though a good idea in theory, in practice a blade wide enough for digging in dirt doesn't make an efficient means of puncturing chest cavities, and the concept didn't get traction. Measuring 12 3/4 inches overall, the blade is 8 3/4 inches long and nearly 4 inches wide across the base, with lightly upturned edges, a ridged spine and no visible makers marks. A small finger ring is integrated into the bend of the tang, and the handle/socket follows the typical pattern of the day. The sheath is constructed from brown leather, with a brass tip, brass rivets, and an integral belt loop. Provenance: Bruce Canfield collection.