This is another extremely rare early experimental bayonet that we have for sale in this auction. This example is actually a combination Entrenching Tool-Hunting Knife that was manufactured for test by the U.S. Ordnance Board circa 1878. It appears to be a forerunner of the later U.S. 1880 Hunting Knife, combined with an earlier 1873 pattern Trowel Bayonet. Obviously the U.S. Ordnance Board was attempting to develop a single field tool to be used for multiple applications. The exact manufacturer is unknown; however, there are three different examples of this type design that were submitted for testing which are shown and described on pages 212-214 of the book "The American Bayonet" by Hardin. The bayonet itself actually has the attributes of the "rotating brass bayonet handle" designed by Major S.C. Lyford, that is fitted to a very unique Engineer pattern, saw-back Hunting Knife/Entrenching type tool. The bayonet is totally unmarked however it has a 10 1/2 inch long with a 2 3/8 inch wide clip point blade with the noted 5 inch brass handle, that is 15 1/2 inch overall. The large brass handle is secured to the rear of the blade by three steel rivets that was obviously designed to fit a 1873/1884 U.S. Springfield Trapdoor rifle. Overall length is 15 1/4 inches, with a 10 1/2 inch long, with broad double fullers and a saw-back spine. It does not come with any scabbard.

Very fine overall with the original in the white polished blade with the super sharp saw back teeth. The blade shows a mixed gray patina, with a tiny nick in the tip. The brass handle is excellent with an attractively aged patina, with some light dents, and the attachment to the blade is rock solid. An interesting weapon that may benefit from deeper research and study.