This musketoon is one of just 80 manufactured in 1855 and 830 manufactured in total in 1847-1856. Of these, 228 were altered to the Artillery configuration. The key identifying characteristic are the bayonet guides on the right side at the muzzle and the bayonet lug on the rear of the front barrel band on the right and the even more rare sword bayonet which has a 21 3/4 inch leaf shaped blade marked "N.P. AMES/CABOTVILLE/1847" on the right and has a locking ring on the right and a scale pattern hilt with upturned guard with one quillion correctly marked "RC" by sub-inspector Rufus Chandler (see pages 140-141 of "The Ames Sword Company, 1829-1935" by Hamilton). The front barrel band also has a brass blade front sight on the upper strap, and the rear band, barrel stud, and bayonet guide are all stamped "17." The rear strap and the plate on the bottom of the butt at the heel have sling swivels. The barrel has "V/P/eagle head" proof and view marks on top at the breech. The lock has the standard federal eagle and shield motif over "US" at center and "SPRING/FIELD/1855" on the tail. The buttplate has "U.S."

Fair. The bayonet lug has been removed, the front barrel band does not properly fit, and the barrel shows signs of filing and tool marks concentrated at the breech. The iron throughout has gray patina and faint pitting. The stock has a repaired break in the wrist and left flat, crack from the rear lock screw to the edge of the forend, smooth oiled finish, small nicks and scratches, and no visible cartouches. Mechanically fine. The bayonet is good and has dark patina and moderate pitting along the blade, a blunted tip, and dark aged patina on the hilt.